Atransvaginal ultrasoundcan detect certain types ofendometriosisbut not superficial forms.
No ultrasound candiagnose endometriosis.
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Reliability of Endometriosis Ultrasounds: What Can They Detect?
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Ultrasoundscan be a valuable tool in the endometriosis diagnosis process.
The bang out or stage of endometriosis usually is not based on the level of symptoms.
Are Ultrasounds Used to Diagnose Endometriosis?
Ultrasounds are not used to diagnose endometriosis.
The most reliable way for a provider to diagnose endometriosis is through excision and histopathology.
The images often are grainy and black-and-white.
Identifying endometriosis on an ultrasound can be tricky.
There are certain signs of endometriosis that a trained technician or endometriosis specialist may be able to locate.
Normal vs. Abnormal Findings
You may be told that your endometriosis ultrasound is normal or abnormal.
In a normal ultrasound, the pelvic organs are mobile and freely move when probed.
There are no signs of cysts or masses and no areas of unusual thickening of tissue.
This could be a sign of adhesions from endometriosis.
That bang out of ultrasound is called an abdominal ultrasound.
Abdominal ultrasounds usually are not used for endometriosis because they don’t provide enough detail of the pelvic organs.
Transvaginal
A lubricated probe is gently inserted into the vagina during a transvaginal ultrasound.
Some technicians may let you insert the probe yourself to aid in comfort.
Let your technician know if you are in pain so they can adjust the probe.
you’re free to see thesonogram(ultrasound visuals) displayed on a video screen during the procedure.
The technician will take screenshots for a doctor to analyze.
Transrectal
Less frequently, atransrectal ultrasoundis performed to investigate endometriosis.
This is usually offered if transvaginal ultrasound is painful or not a possibility.
A small, lubricated probe is inserted into the rectum during a transrectal ultrasound.
This may feel like having a bowel movement, but it is typically not painful.
Healthcare providers may use this phrase when they don’t find any signs of endometriosis.
Remember that healthcare providers cannot use ultrasound to diagnose or rule out endometriosis definitively.
When certain signs are found, it may indicate the presence of two types of endometriosis.
But when no signs are found, it does not rule out the existence of endometriosis.
It is not possible to stage endometriosis from an ultrasound alone.
For a healthcare provider to diagnose and stage endometriosis, you must undergoexcision surgery.
During the procedure, a surgeon will record all instances of superficial endometriosis, deep endometriosis, and endometriomas.
Excised samples will be sent to a pathologist to confirm the diagnosis.
They are not used to diagnose endometriosis.
Collaborate with a healthcare provider to determine if an ultrasound is right for you.
Summary
Transvaginal and transrectal ultrasounds are valuable tools when investigating possible endometriosis.
However, healthcare providers cannot use ultrasound to diagnose endometriosis.
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