Answer:

An abdominal ultrasound is a common imaging diagnostic method used to assess organs in the abdomen, such as the liver, kidneys, pancreas, spleen, gallbladder, and digestive system. This non-invasive technique can be performed multiple times without affecting health.

Ultrasound works by emitting high-frequency sound waves from a probe. These sound waves travel through the body and echo back when they encounter tissues of different densities, creating an image on a screen. This allows doctors to observe the size, shape, and structure of abdominal organs, and detect abnormalities like cysts, tumors, stones, or inflammation.

Large tumors on the surface of organs are generally easier to identify on ultrasound. Conversely, small or deep-seated tumors are more difficult to observe. Ultrasound can differentiate between solid tumors and fluid-filled cysts, but further tests like CT scans, MRIs, or biopsies are needed to determine if a tumor is benign or malignant. Some small lesions under 1 cm are also difficult to see on ultrasound.

Doctor Hai Binh consults with a patient about cancer screening. Illustrative photo: Tam Anh General Hospital

Despite some limitations, ultrasound plays a crucial role in screening for several types of abdominal cancers:

Liver cancer: Ultrasound can detect liver tumors, especially in high-risk patients with hepatitis B, C, or cirrhosis. Lesions suspected of being liver cancer may appear as abnormal hyperechoic or hypoechoic masses. With liver elastography, doctors can now assess the stage of cirrhosis without a liver biopsy.

Kidney cancer: Ultrasound can detect kidney tumors even before clinical symptoms appear, allowing for the diagnosis of solid kidney cancers, metastasis to the renal vein, vena cava, and lymph nodes at the renal hilum. Kidney cancer typically appears as a solid, heterogeneous mass with irregular borders and an echo different from normal kidney tissue.

Gallbladder and bile duct cancer: Ultrasound can reveal bile duct dilation, but it's difficult to identify bile duct tumors in early stages. By the time a tumor is visible on ultrasound, the disease is often advanced.

You should have an abdominal ultrasound as directed by your doctor, as it's an important and easy-to-perform part of a health screening. If any abnormalities or suspected cancer are found, your doctor may order further tests after the ultrasound.

Doctor Tran Hai Binh

Deputy Head of the Oncology Department

Tam Anh General Hospital, Hanoi