WHAT IS A SOFT TISSUE/LUMP ULTRASOUND?
Soft tissues make up a majority of our bodies. They include muscles, tendons, ligaments, fascia, nerves, fibrous tissues, fat, blood vessels, and synovial membranes. Lumps or tumors may form in soft tissues. A soft tissue/lump ultrasound is non-invasive diagnostic exam that captures images of the soft tissue/lump and the surrounding structures. An ultrasound is a very safe and reliable diagnostic imaging resource that assesses pathology and guides physicians towards your individualized treatment plan. In many soft tissues tumors, ultrasound imaging is superior to MRI.
The following is a non-exhaustive list of information that a diagnostic soft tissue/lump ultrasound can provide:
- Assessment of a soft tissue swelling
- Characteristics of the soft tissue lump: location, size, invasion, mobility, and calcification
- Assessment of painful, swollen, hardened, and inflamed soft tissues
- Investigation of areas around the lump and the soft tissues
If you have any signs or symptoms of pain or swelling of any soft tissue, or identify a lump, and want to get a diagnostic ultrasound, a referral from a general practitioner or family doctor is required for this exam.
HOW DO I PREPARE FOR A SOFT TISSUE/LUMP ULTRASOUND APPOINTMENT?
In general, there are no special preparations required before the ultrasound but your doctor may provide you with specific instructions. Dress in clothes that allow for easy access to examine the soft tissue/lump, otherwise, a medical gown will be provided.
A water-based gel is used to improve the transmission of the ultrasound waves. Should you have any allergies to gel it is important to let the ultrasound technician know before the examination. In addition, please let the ultrasound technician know if you have had any previous surgery around the imaged area.
If you are pregnant or suspect that you may be pregnant, please notify your doctor. If you have any questions or concerns about preparing for your ultrasound, please discuss these with your physician before your appointment.
WHAT SHOULD I EXPECT DURING A SOFT TISSUE/LUMP ULTRASOUND APPOINTMENT?
Upon arrival, you will be shown to a private room where the ultrasound technician will offer you a medical gown to change into if needed. You will be asked to remove any jewellery that may interfere with the ultrasound procedure. When ready, the ultrasound technician will apply a small amount of a water-based gel to the transducer head and gently move it along the soft tissue/lump with mild to moderate pressure to capture clear images. Once all necessary images have been captured, you will be able to wipe off the gel and get dressed.
The assessment is approximately 30 minutes long.
Shortly after your appointment, a radiologist will review your images and send a report to your general practitioner or family physician. Once the report is reviewed, your doctor will contact you with the results.