Soft Tissue Ultrasound
What Is a Soft Tissue Ultrasound?
A soft tissue ultrasound is an imaging exam that uses high-frequency sound waves to create images of palpable lumps and bumps in superficial soft tissues. Ultrasound exams are quick, painless and safe since they don’t involve ionizing radiation.
An ultrasound of lumps, bumps and hematomas can help your doctor determine if there is a cause for concern. Superficial swelling, masses, cysts, hernias and hematomas that are located near the skin surface can be carefully examined with this type of ultrasound exam
If the lesion looks suspicious for malignancy, ultrasound guided biopsy might be necessary. Examples of soft-tissue lesions and conditions we frequently see on ultrasound are:
- Ganglion cysts
- Abscesses
- Lipomas
- Fluid collections due to trauma, surgery or chronic inflammation
- Foreign bodies
What Is a Soft Tissue Ultrasound?
A soft tissue ultrasound is an imaging exam that uses high-frequency sound waves to create images of palpable lumps and bumps in superficial soft tissues. Ultrasound exams are quick, painless and safe since they don’t involve ionizing radiation.
An ultrasound of lumps, bumps and hematomas can help your doctor determine if there is a cause for concern. Superficial swelling, masses, cysts, hernias and hematomas that are located near the skin surface can be carefully examined with this type of ultrasound exam
If the lesion looks suspicious for malignancy, ultrasound guided biopsy might be necessary. Examples of soft-tissue lesions and conditions we frequently see on ultrasound are:
- Ganglion cysts
- Abscesses
- Lipomas
- Fluid collections due to trauma, surgery or chronic inflammation
- Foreign bodies
Preparing for Your Soft Tissue Ultrasound Exam
A soft tissue ultrasound is a safe, painless and noninvasive procedure, so there is very little preparation involved. There is no need to fast or stop taking medication before your exam. The following advice may also be helpful:
- Arrive 10 minutes before your scheduled appointment
- Bring your doctor’s referral, old records and studies and your health insurance card
- If a child is the one being examined, bring their favorite toy or electronic device to provide distraction and pass time
The ultrasound exam takes approximately 10-15 minutes, depending on the area being assessed and the complexity of the problem.
After Your Soft Tissue Ultrasound Exam
Once your sonographer has taken the desired images they will send your images to a radiologist who will interpret them.
The radiologist will send a written report to your referring doctor, usually within two business days. For emergency cases, results are available in 2 hours.
FAQS
What does “soft tissue mass” mean?
A soft tissue mass is a lump or bump that can appear anywhere in the body: in skin, muscles, fat, tendons, ligaments, etc. Superficial soft tissue masses are easy to feel underneath the skin and can be examined with an ultrasound.
Are all soft tissue masses cancerous?
No, not at all. In fact, the majority of these lesions are benign tumors, cysts, lipomas and so on. An ultrasound exam can help your doctor determine if a soft tissue mass is benign or a cause for concern.
Can an ultrasound exam tell the difference between a lipoma and cancer?
A lipoma and liposarcoma (a rare type of cancer that develops in fatty tissue) can seem indistinguishable on an ultrasound exam, however highly skilled radiologists can tell the difference. Doppler studies can help a sonographer to tell if a lump is a liposarcoma by examining its vasculature. A liposarcoma is more vascular than a lipoma. If there is any suspicion for a lesion to be cancerous, an MRI or biopsy might be suggested.
What is hernia? Can it be seen on ultrasound?
A hernia is a gap in the muscular wall that allows the contents inside the abdomen to protrude outward. There are different types of hernias, but the most common hernias occur in the belly or groin areas.The big advantage of ultrasound is an ability to see movement of hernia content in dynamic study when a patient is applying internal pressure.
Make an Appointment for Ultrasound
To make an appointment for an ultrasound or request pricing, please call our office today at +1 345 939 1282 or +1 345 946 0067. You can email your doctor’s referral form to office@caymansurgery.ky. Please don’t forget to provide your phone number. We will contact you to make an appointment. If you do not have a doctor's referral you should get one during your next visit.
