Ultrasound scans are used during pregnancy.
Sonography uses ultrasound technology to diagnose and monitor various medical conditions. There are many uses for sonography throughout the human body.
Obstetrics Ultrasound
Obstetrics ultrasound is perhaps the most well known type of sonography, where technicians use ultrasound waves to determine the growth of the fetus in utero. The images can show developmental and health abnormalities and determine fine details such as gender and anatomy. Obstetric ultrasound is also used to inspect the female reproductive system, such as the uterus and ovaries, which can be beneficial for locating cysts and tumors and for fertility treatments.
Breast Sonography
A breast sonography can be used as an alternative to a mammography to detect breast cancer and other abnormalities. It is deemed more comfortable than a mammogram. But while a mammography can be used to screen for breast cancers, a breast sonography is generally used on palpable masses already discovered in the breast.
Echocardiology
Echocardiology uses doppler sonograms to check blood vessels for obstructions to blood flow. This is especially useful in the heart valves and examining internal structures. It can be used to diagnose heart problems, such as heart disease. Echocardiology is often used alongside electrocardiograms (EKGs) to monitor the timing of the heart beating.
Neurosonology
Neurosonology uses dopplers to examine the nervous system and the brain. This can be used to diagnose tumors, hemorrhages and other neurological conditions.
Abdominal Sonography
Ultrasounds of the abdomen can be used to examine various organs and locate problems in organs such as kidneys, the liver, the spleen, the gallbladder and the chest. A pelvic ultrasound may also be performed to check for problems in the pelvis. Abdominal sonography can detect cirrhosis and monitor ascites (a buildup of fluid in the abdomen).
Opthalmologic Sonography
Opthalmologic sonography is used to determine the structure of the eye and allows accurate measurements to be taken for prosthetic lenses. It can also detect some ocular conditions such as retinal detachment, glaucoma and blood flow disruption.
Tags: blood flow, breast sonography, sonography used, ultrasound also, used diagnose
