Soft tissue ultrasound
soft tissue ultrasound · lump ultrasound · lymph node ultrasound · ultrasound of a skin lump
The doctor uses ultrasound to look under the skin: fat, muscles, lymph nodes, and lumps. It is safe and uses no radiation.
If you feel a lump, have swollen lymph nodes, or have swelling, pain, or puffiness after an injury.
⏱ Duration: usually 10 to 20 minutes; the report is usually ready right away
Be sure to tell your doctor
How to prepare
- Prep. Usually none. You can eat and drink as usual.
- Skin. Do not put cream on the area on the day of the scan.
- Clothing. Comfortable clothes that are easy to take off or lift over the area.
What to bring
- Your referral
- Past ultrasounds and reports, if you have them
- A towel or tissues, if you like
How it goes
- You show the doctor the area that bothers you
- You lie or sit so the area is easy to check
- Gel is put on the skin
- The probe is moved over the area and around it
- Sometimes it is compared with the same area on the other side
- The gel is wiped off with a tissue
What you'll feel
- Cool gel and light pressure from the probe
- If the area is sore, pressing may feel unpleasant. Tell the doctor
Afterwards
- You can go back to your usual day right away
- The report is usually given right away
- If more detail is needed, the doctor may suggest a needle biopsy or another test
Common questions
Is a lump under the skin dangerous?
Most often it is harmless, such as a fatty lump or a lymph node. The ultrasound helps the doctor tell what it is.
Do I need to prepare?
Usually not. Just come in comfortable clothes.