Smooth contour meaning9/12/2023 ![]() ![]() Ultrasound can detect many cancerous (malignant) and non-cancerous (benign) liver masses. Other organs, including the gallbladder, right kidney, and at least a portion of the pancreas are often seen as well.Ĭan a liver ultrasound detect liver cancer? A special technique called elastography can be added to an ultrasound study to help measure the elasticity of the liver and assess the severity of fibrosis.ĭilated bile ducts and any fluid near the liver (ascites, fluid collections) will also typically show up on a liver ultrasound. A cirrhotic liver often looks shrunken and lumpy. ![]() For example, a fatty liver (steatosis) is typically brighter (more “echogenic” or “hyperechoic”) on a liver ultrasound than normal liver, while hepatitis may be less bright (“hypoechoic”). Ultrasound can also evaluate diffuse liver diseases, such as fatty liver, hepatitis, and cirrhosis. Solid masses can even be evaluated for blood flow by a technique called Doppler ultrasound, and cystic areas within masses can be distinguished from the solid parts. Complex cysts may have associated lumps (nodules), calcifications, or multiple tissue bands. Simple cysts have a thin wall and contain fluid, which shows up as a darker center than solid masses have on ultrasound. It is particularly excellent for differentiating cysts from solid masses. Ultrasound is excellent at showing normal anatomy and the presence of abnormalities in the liver. Some examples include unexplained weight loss, abdominal discomfort or swelling, early satiety (feeling full without eating much), nausea or vomiting, weakness, jaundice, palpable mass, coagulation problems, and liver or spleen enlargement on a physical examination. A wide variety of signs, symptoms, and laboratory findings can be associated with liver disease and may prompt the ordering of an ultrasound study. What symptoms indicate a liver ultrasound is needed? Learn More Understanding Your Liver Ultrasound Get a second opinion from a radiology specialist in 3 easy steps. A radiologist providing a second opinion can help guide you about additional testing.ĬONNECT WITH A SPECIALIST Take Charge of Your Health CT or MRI may also be recommended to further evaluate certain liver lesions. For example, a CT, MRI, or biopsy may be indicated to differentiate between liver fibrosis and fat, further quantify the severity of fat, or evaluate for other disease in the liver. Depending on the results, your doctor may recommend another examination. Determining whether follow-up imaging is necessaryĪn ultrasound may be the first screening test performed when evaluating the liver. A radiologist providing a second opinion can help characterize a difficult liver lesion, evaluate the liver for the presence of fat, and determine other tests that might be necessary to assess the liver.ģ. A liver ultrasound is also used to assess for diffuse liver disease, including fatty liver. Some masses have unique ultrasound features while others share similar characteristics on ultrasound. Ultrasound is useful for distinguishing liver cysts from solid masses. Diagnosing and characterizing liver disease A second opinion can help confirm that the images are of high enough quality to make an accurate diagnosis.Ģ. Compromised images can negatively impact what can be seen by the radiologist. ![]() The areas imaged and quality of imaged taken depend greatly on visibility and technique. Because this type of imaging test is done free-hand, it is very user-dependent. If you have questions about your results or are feeling worried about an abnormal finding, a second opinion is also a great way to get more clarity on your diagnosis and peace of mind moving forward.ģ Areas a Liver Ultrasound Second Opinion Can Help Ensure AccuracyĪ liver ultrasound study typically contains a series of multiple images taken by the technologist performing the examination. It may also help you and your doctors determine whether follow-up screening or treatment is needed. Having a subspecialist provide a second opinion can help confirm that findings reported have been accurately assessed. When you get a liver ultrasound, your radiology report will be used by your doctors to make important decisions about your diagnosis and how to proceed. Benefits of a Liver Ultrasound Second Opinion Here, she explains how getting a second opinion can help provide clarity on your diagnosis, followed by a Q&A with the most common questions patients ask about their liver ultrasound. ![]() Barbara McComb, a Mayo Clinic diagnostic radiologist and ultrasound expert with over 38 years of experience, to find out what patients should be aware of when getting a liver ultrasound. But many factors can affect the accuracy of your diagnosis. It can help assess the presence of liver disease (such as fatty liver), detect liver lesions, and much more. Ultrasound is an excellent front-line diagnostic tool for evaluating the liver. ![]()
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