What Is An Ultrasound Used For?

November 28, 2022 – 5 min read

Share this post:

Ultrasound Technologist Views Patient's Ultrasound Results

When people hear the word “ultrasound,” it is very common to have the thought of babies cross their minds. Pregnancy ultrasounds are used often to monitor the growth of an infant in the womb over time. The use of ultrasounds span way beyond women’s imaging studies. Radiologists can use ultrasound for a wide number of purposes. Here are other reasons why an ultrasound in Voorhees, NJ may be ordered.

Heart & Blood Vessels

A vascular doppler ultrasound is a specialized type of ultrasound that is used to visualize arteries and veins to monitor the health of blood vessels. A vascular doppler ultrasound uses color-coded images to measure the speed and direction of blood flow throughout various parts of the body. Commonly, this type of ultrasound is ordered alongside an echocardiogram (2D echo) to help further check on a patient’s overall heart function. A vascular doppler ultrasound can detect several vascular medical conditions such as deep vein thrombosis, chronic venous insufficiency, carotid artery disease, and others.

Thyroid

Ultrasounds can be used to produce high-quality images of the neck where the thyroid gland is located. Palpable nodules are common in older adults and develop on the thyroid gland. Some of these nodules may be cancerous. An ultrasound can help visualize these nodules and determine if further medical intervention is needed.

Breast Cancer

Ultrasounds can be used in combination with other women’s imaging studies such as mammograms and breast MRI scans to detect early forms of breast cancer. A breast ultrasound can be used to gather more information about a mass or cyst. Currently, a 3D mammogram is the best way to detect early forms of breast cancer. In certain situations, a 3D mammogram is not feasible. Patients who are pregnant are unable to have mammograms due to radiation exposure. Women with dense breast tissue should have breast ultrasounds conducted as well. Dense breast tissue can make it difficult for radiologists to detect breast cancer with the use of mammograms. Breast ultrasounds prove to be very helpful in these situations.

Abdominal & Pelvic Structures

If a patient is experiencing ongoing pelvic pain or menstrual issues, an abdominal ultrasound may be ordered to view areas such as the uterus, cervix, ovaries, and fallopian tubes. Pelvic ultrasounds have been proven to be very useful for both men and women. A pelvic ultrasound can identify kidney stones, tumors, or urinary tract conditions. A transvaginal ultrasound may be used to help identify different abnormalities in a women’s reproductive system. A transvaginal ultrasound can identify uterine anomalies, polyps, fibroids, and cancer.

At South Jersey Radiology Associates, our subspecialized radiologists can perform and interpret all forms of ultrasounds. When your physician refers you to get an ultrasound, choose SJRA as your destination to ensure you receive the highest imaging quality possible at up to 60% less than hospital-owned facilities. If you are interested in scheduling an ultrasound, reach out to any of our following locations:

Learn more about the board-certified subspecialized radiologists who read and interpret studies at SJRA here.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is an ultrasound used for besides pregnancy?

While ultrasound is commonly associated with pregnancy monitoring, it has various applications beyond women’s imaging studies. Radiologists use ultrasounds for a wide range of purposes, including assessing the heart and blood vessels, thyroid imaging, breast cancer detection, and examining abdominal and pelvic structures.

How is ultrasound used for heart and blood vessels?

A vascular doppler ultrasound is a specialized type of ultrasound that visualizes arteries and veins to monitor blood vessel health. By using color-coded images, it measures the speed and direction of blood flow throughout the body. A vascular doppler ultrasound can detect conditions like deep vein thrombosis, chronic venous insufficiency, and carotid artery disease, often ordered alongside an echocardiogram (2D echo) to assess heart function.

Can ultrasound help detect thyroid nodules?

Yes, ultrasound can produce high-quality images of the neck to visualize the thyroid gland. It is commonly used to identify palpable nodules that develop on the thyroid gland, particularly in older adults. Ultrasound imaging helps determine if further medical intervention is necessary, as some nodules may be cancerous.

How does ultrasound assist in breast cancer detection?

Ultrasound complements other women’s imaging studies like 3D mammograms and breast MRI scans to detect early forms of breast cancer. It provides additional information about breast masses or cysts. While 3D mammograms are the preferred method for early detection, certain situations may necessitate alternatives. Ultrasound is recommended for pregnant women who cannot undergo mammograms due to radiation exposure and for women with dense breast tissue, which can make cancer detection challenging with mammograms alone.

What can abdominal and pelvic ultrasounds reveal?

Abdominal ultrasounds are ordered when patients experience ongoing pelvic pain or menstrual issues. They help visualize structures such as the uterus, cervix, ovaries, and fallopian tubes. Pelvic ultrasounds are beneficial for both men and women, as they can identify conditions like kidney stones, tumors, urinary tract issues, and reproductive system abnormalities in women. Transvaginal ultrasounds are sometimes used to assess uterine anomalies, polyps, fibroids, and cancer.

Who interprets the ultrasound studies at SJRA?

Our team of board-certified subspecialized radiologists performs and interprets all ultrasounds. Learn more about our radiologists by visiting our physician profiles.

Larchmont Imaging and SJRA have united to elevate patient care across South Jersey!

For over 80 years, both Larchmont Imaging and SJRA have been recognized for their state-of-the-art technology, industry-leading subspecialized radiologists, and exceptional patient care. 

What does this mean for you?

  • Our new, combined footprint now includes 16 convenient locations across Burlington, Camden, and Gloucester counties to serve you better.
  • Enjoy more locations with flexible appointment times, including early mornings, evenings, and weekend hours, to accommodate your busy schedule.
  • Benefit from increased availability of same-day and next-day appointment times for quicker imaging results.
  • Schedule your appointments online, 24/7, for greater convenience.
  • Access the highest quality imaging services, typically only offered at hospitals, at costs up to 60% less.

You will continue to have access to the same compassionate office team, highly trained technologists, and experienced radiologists you’ve known and trusted for years.

Thank you for entrusting us with your care. We are excited to continue this legacy together as SJRA to serve our community even stronger.