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Ultrasound or echographic examination of soft tissues is one of the most effective methods for examining the human body. The concept of soft tissue ultrasound refers to the diagnosis of the condition of the abdomen, face, neck and other parts of the body. The examination allows you to determine the presence of neoplasms, find a foreign body, assess the degree of damage after an injury.
The study is completely safe, allows you to get an accurate result quickly and without much preparation. The ultrasound machine does not irradiate the patient, therefore, it is allowed to use the examination many times in a row. This advantage allows you to monitor the dynamics of the pathological process and the body’s response to the treatment.
General information
Most often, the study is prescribed by a surgeon to diagnose pathological changes in soft tissues: lipomas, hemangiomas, etc. In this case, soft tissues are muscles, lymph nodes, fat cells, subcutaneous integuments. During the examination, the diagnostician first of all pays attention to the diameter of the tissue formation, its structure, and compares it with normal values. Attention is also drawn to the content of education. If tumors are diagnosed, then the presence and speed of blood flow in it, its nature, in other words, is checked for malignancy.
Indications for soft tissue ultrasound
Sonographic (ultrasound) examination of soft tissues is prescribed in the presence of: hernias; enlargement of the lymph nodes; intra-articular intervention; palpable neoplasms; complaints of soft tissue pain; abscesses – capsular ulcers; suspicion of the formation of phlegmon; rheumatic diseases; myocytes of muscle tissues; suspicion of oncological formations; injury or damage.
Also, ultrasound is performed as a control of the treatment of oncological diseases after therapy, and control of healing and scarring of tissues after serious injuries and injuries. It is important to visit a consultation with a narrow specialist before undergoing the procedure, so that he determines the area for examination as accurately as possible.
Study Preparation
Ultrasound diagnostics of soft tissues does not imply any preliminary preparation. There is no need to follow dietary guidelines or drink large amounts of water. It is recommended to simply wear loose and comfortable clothing that can be easily removed if needed. If you have recently undergone x-ray diagnostics, it is important to inform the doctor about this. Since substances accumulate in the body during X-rays, which will be excreted within five days, they can significantly distort the results of ultrasound.
Procedure Algorithm
Whatever area is examined, the algorithm remains the same:
- a completely necessary area of uXNUMXbuXNUMXbthe body is exposed;
- the patient moves to the couch and takes a comfortable position;
- a small amount of a special gel is dripped on the skin and on a special sensor (to ensure better gliding);
- the doctor slowly moves the sensor over the skin, and all the received images are transmitted in real time on the monitor.
The procedure is completely painless, without discomfort and discomfort, only a slight chill on the skin from the applied gel. Ultrasound diagnostics is considered the safest and has no contraindications. If necessary, the examination can be carried out at least daily (treatment control). The examination can be prescribed even for newborn children and women during pregnancy.
Types of soft tissue ultrasound
Most often, an ultrasound examination of the soft tissues of such organs is performed:
- Ultrasound of the soft tissues of the neck – used to detect cysts, obstructions and infections in the body. Blood flow in the arteries can be measured to detect blockages. Ultrasound can be used to check for certain types of cancer in a variety of ways, including looking for abnormal growths and growths. An ultrasound of the neck can help diagnose: thyroid nodules, growths, or tumors; pathology of the carotid arteries located on both sides of the patient’s neck (the arteries carry blood from your heart to your brain); the presence of blocked or narrowed carotid arteries, which may indicate an increased risk of stroke.
- Ultrasound of the soft tissues of the face – is prescribed to diagnose serious injuries, purulent formations, pain, hematomas, seals.
- Ultrasound of the soft tissues of the abdomen. An ultrasound image of the abdominal cavity is performed to assess the condition of: kidneys, liver, gallbladder, pancreas, spleen, abdominal aorta. Ultrasound is used to diagnose various conditions such as: tumor formation, inflammation of the lymph nodes, bleeding. In addition, ultrasound can be used to secure biopsies.
- Ultrasound of the soft tissues of the thigh is performed to evaluate the hamstrings, sciatic nerve, and gluteal muscles. Allows you to monitor the dynamics of the treatment of a hernia of the hip joint.
- Ultrasound of the soft tissues of the lower leg – allows you to assess the condition of the tendons, ligaments and nerves. The procedure is recommended in the presence of a serious ankle injury with suspected tendon rupture.
- Ultrasound of the soft tissues of the upper extremities – allows you to study the condition of tissues, lymph nodes, fat cells, blood vessels.
Results of the study
As a result, the patient will receive a paper and electronic conclusion of the diagnostician, images in black and white projection, images in color projection (if a color printer is available). The results should be transferred to your doctor for further selection of effective treatment.
The diagnostic accuracy of ultrasound in evaluating superficial tumors of soft tissue, musculoskeletal tissue is high and can be improved by increasing the radiologist’s awareness of less common tumors. Ultrasound is accurate for differentiating between benign and malignant superficial soft tissue tumors.