Health Library

A pelvic ultrasound is a scan that looks at the organs and structures in your pelvic area. Read on to learn details about what to expect before, during, and after this scan.

Ultrasound imaging is a test that uses sound waves to make detailed pictures of your organs. There are three different kinds of ultrasound imaging: abdominal, pelvic, and Doppler ultrasound. Each of these imaging tests can help your healthcare provider assess pain or other symptoms in different parts of your body. Ultrasound does not involve any radiation, and is generally a very safe procedure. Still, you should discuss any concerns with your healthcare provider.

Fetal ultrasound is a test used during pregnancy to create an image of the baby in the mother's womb (uterus).

Breast ultrasound is an imaging test that uses sound waves to look at your breasts. It can help your healthcare provider find breast problems. It also lets your provider see how well blood is flowing to areas in your breasts. This test is often used along with mammography.

An abdominal ultrasound is an imaging test used to assess the organs and structures in the belly. Read on to learn what to expect before, during, and after the test.

Certain tests and screenings may be scheduled during your pregnancy. Your healthcare provider will advise you on which tests you'll need.

A chest ultrasound is an imaging test that uses sound waves to look at the structures and organs in your chest. It can help your healthcare provider see how well your lungs and heart are working.

A kidney ultrasound is an imaging test that uses sound waves to look at your kidneys. It can check the size, shape, and location of your kidneys. It also lets your healthcare provider see how well blood is flowing in your kidneys.

A prostate or rectal ultrasound is an imaging test that uses sound waves to look at your prostate or your rectum.

Endoscopic sinus surgery is a procedure to open the passages of the nose and sinuses. It is done to treat long-term (chronic) sinus infections. An ear, nose, and throat specialist (ENT) does the surgery.

Endoscopic endonasal surgery is a minimally invasive technique that allows a surgeon to go through the nose to operate on areas at the front of the brain and the top of the spine.

If your healthcare provider thinks you might have bile duct cancer, you will need certain exams and tests to be sure.

Fetal growth restriction is a condition in which an unborn baby is smaller than expected for the number of weeks of pregnancy (gestational age).

A fiberoptic evaluation of swallowing (FEES) test is a procedure used to assess how well you swallow. During the procedure, a speech-language pathologist (SLP) passes a thin, flexible instrument through your nose. Then the SLP views parts of your throat as you swallow.

First trimester screening combines fetal ultrasound and blood tests for the mother. It’s done during the first trimester of pregnancy, during weeks 1 to 12 or 13. It can help find out the risk of the fetus having certain birth defects.

A biophysical profile is a test that is sometimes used during the third trimester of pregnancy. It is often done if there is a question about the baby’s health. This may be because of other test results or certain pregnancy symptoms, or because your pregnancy is high risk.

An endoscope is a small, flexible tube with a light and a lens on the end used to look into the esophagus, stomach, duodenum, colon, or rectum. It can also be used to take tissue from the body for testing or to take color photographs of the inside of the body.

If your healthcare provider thinks you might have gallbladder cancer, you will need certain exams and tests to be sure.

After a diagnosis of bile duct cancer, you will likely need other tests. These tests help your healthcare providers learn more about the cancer.

The goal of breast cancer screening is to detect cancer at the earliest possible stage, when it is most treatable. This video takes a look at the three components of breast screening—a breast self-exam, a clinical exam by your doctor, and a mammogram.