Digestive Disorders Health Center

What To Think About

• Other tests, such as a computed tomography (CT) scan, may be needed to follow up abnormal ultrasound results. For more information, see the topic Computed Tomography (CT) Scan.
• X-rays are not recommended during pregnancy because of the risk of damage to the fetus. Because ultrasound is safe during pregnancy, it generally is used instead of an abdominal X-ray if a pregnant woman's abdomen needs to be checked.
• In rare cases, gallstones may not be found by ultrasound. Other imaging tests may be done if gallstones are suspected but not seen on the ultrasound. For more information, see the topics Gallbladder Scan, Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatogram (ERCP), and Abdominal X-ray.
• Using abdominal ultrasound, a doctor can usually distinguish among a simple fluid-filled cyst, a solid tumor, or another type of mass that needs further evaluation. If a solid tumor is found, abdominal ultrasound cannot determine whether it is cancerous (malignant) or noncancerous (benign). A biopsy may be needed if a tumor is found. Ultrasound may be used during the biopsy to help guide the placement of the needle.
• Ultrasound is less expensive than other tests, such as a CT scan or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan, that also can provide a picture of the abdominal organs. But for some problems, such as abdominal masses or an injury, a CT scan or MRI may be a more appropriate test. Also, these tests may be done if the abdominal ultrasound is normal but abdominal pain persists. For more information, see the topics Computed Tomography (CT) Scan of the Body and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) of the Abdomen.
• A pelvic ultrasound will be used to produce a picture of the lower abdominal (pelvic) organs and other structures inside the pelvis. For more information, see the topic Pelvic Ultrasound.