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Available at these locations in Alberta:

Grande Prairie

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Soft Tissue Ultrasound

A soft tissue mass ultrasound is a non-invasive exam that employs pulses of high frequency sound waves to image and assess the contents if superficial (under the skin) lumps which may have been detected in a physical exam by yourself or your doctor.

Superficial lumps be filled with fat, fluid or solid tissue and, dependent on their contents, may warrant further testing for a thorough determination of the tissue type and an accurate diagnosis.

PATIENT INFORMATION AND PREPARATION

Special Instructions

  • Please take all prescription medications as instructed
  • Your skin should be kept clean and free of body oils, moisturizers and powders
  • Your clothing should be lightweight, comfortable and allow for easy access to the area of skin under which the lump is located
  • Please arrive at least 15 minutes in advance

WHAT TO EXPECT DURING YOUR EXAM

  • You may be asked to change into a gown, to allow easy access to the area in question
  • You will be asked to lie down on a tilt-in-space examination table
  • To ensure that the areas of concern are properly assessed, you may be asked to point out the lump or area of pain/tenderness, if it is localized
  • A warm, fragrance-free, hypoallergenic ultrasound gel will be applied to the skin beneath which the lump is located
  • You may experience mild to moderate pressure from the wand transducer, as the sonographer scans the lump from different angles
  • Dependent on the location of the lump, you may be asked to perform various breathing techniques in order to assist in the obtainment of clearer imagery
  • You may be asked to lie on your side, sit or stand, in order to make the area where the lump is located more accessible
  • You will now be allowed to alight from the examination table, get changed and return to your seat
  • Your radiologist will review the captured images
  • After review of the images, the radiologist may now choose to sit with you in the exam room, in order to discuss your results

WHEN TO EXPECT THE RESULTS OF YOUR EXAM

Our radiologists will interpret your information and aim to forward the results to your doctor by the end of the next working day.

WHAT YOU’LL PAY FOR THIS PROCEDURE

This exam is covered under the Alberta Health Care Plan.