Treatments

Ultrasound

Ultrasound uses sound waves and their echoes to produce a picture of internal organs such as the liver. A small microphone-like instrument called a transducer emits sound waves, which bounce off internal organs. The transducer then detects these echoes, and the echoes are digitally processed into a detailed image. The echoes produced by most liver tumors differ from those of normal liver tissue. Different echo patterns can even help distinguish varying types of liver tumors.

Ultrasound is an easy procedure. It uses no radiation, which is why it is routinely used in pregnant women to look at developing fetuses. During an ultrasound examination, the patient simply lies on a table and a technician moves the transducer over the skin overlying the part of the body being examined. Usually, the skin is first lubricated with oil or ultrasound gel.