Ultrasound Needle Guidance for Biopsy or Injection
Ultrasound uses reflected sound waves to produce an image of organs and other structures in the body. This technology can help doctors pinpoint the location of tissue for testing or treatment. For example, ultrasound can be used to help guide the placement of a needle or other instrument during a biopsy. A biopsy is a procedure to collect a sample of tissue collected from an organ or other part of the body. The tissue is then examined for abnormalities, such as cancer, by a doctor trained to look at tissue samples (pathologist).
Gel or oil may be used on the skin to help transmit the sound waves. A small handheld instrument called a transducer is passed back and forth over the area of the body being examined. The transducer sends out high-pitched sound waves (above the range of human hearing) that are reflected back to the transducer. A computer analyzes the reflected sound waves and converts them into a picture. From this picture, the doctor can identify the location of tissue for biopsy and can use the ultrasound image to guide the needle into the selected tissue for sampling. The needle itself may have a special tip that is very reflective under ultrasound, so that it shows up well in the image.
Physicians Interacting With Family Caregivers
Patients and caregivers may present with different needs, making it difficult to decide whose needs take priority.[1] This situation is especially common when it comes to truth-telling, with family members asking the health care team to keep bad news a secret from the cancer patient, or vice versa. Communication With Caregivers Cultural differences can profoundly affect communication with the patient and family. For example, some Asian Americans believe that talking about death or dying...
Read the Physicians Interacting With Family Caregivers article > >
WebMD Medical Reference from Healthwise
Today in Cancer
WebMD Special Sections
Health Solutions From Our Sponsors
©2005-2012 WebMD, LLC. All rights reserved.
WebMD does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. See additional information.