Small Parts Ultrasound (Thyroid, Testes etc)
Ultrasound imaging of small parts is a useful way of evaluating many of the superficial organs of the body such as the thyroid gland, the neck and the testes. The ultrasound images can help an ultrasound practitioner to evaluate these organs and look for signs of disease.
Thyroid ultrasound
This is used for diagnosing suspected thyroid disease, for example, a lump in the thyroid or a thyroid that is not functioning properly. Most scans are performed to look at palpable or visible “lumps”, or enlargement of the gland found during a clinical examination. The ultrasound can establish if the nodule is inside the thyroid gland or outside it and whether it is a cyst or a soft tissue nodule. Cysts are almost always non cancerous (benign), although in some cases the fluid may be taken out by a needle under ultrasound guidance for additional testing. Because ultrasound provides real-time images, it also can be used to guide procedures such as needle biopsies, in which needles are used to extract sample cells from an abnormal area for laboratory testing. Ultrasound may also be used to guide the insertion of a catheter or drainage device and helps assure accurate placement. You will need to remove all clothing and jewelry in the area to be examined and you may be asked to wear a gown during the procedure. No other preparation is required. You will lie on your back on an examination couch and the transducer moved back and forth across your neck and upper chest to image the area of interest.
Testicular Ultrasound
Is used for the diagnosis of suspected abnormalities of the scrotum and is the main technique used to evaluate problems of the testicles and surrounding tissues. It is used when a patient has pain or feels a lump in the scrotum. Other indications for an ultrasound scan include an absent or undescended testicle, inflammation, testicular torsion (twisted testis), fluid collection, abnormal blood vessels or a mass (lump or tumor).
You should wear comfortable, loose fitting clothing for your ultrasound examination. No other preparation is required. Before the scan, you will need to remove all your clothes from the waist down and put on a gown before the test. You will be asked to lie on your back on the examination couch. Folded towels will be used to cover the penis and lift the scrotum. Gel will be spread on your scrotum and the transducer will be pressed gently against the skin and moved back and forth across your scrotum to obtain the required images. The procedure is painless and non-invasive. You will need to lie very still during the ultrasound scan and may be asked to take a breath and hold it for several seconds.