Update Regarding COVID-19
While ultrasound can be used for many purposes, the diagnostic ultrasound at the Beverly Hills Cancer Center is used to detect cancer so we can treat it rapidly, increasing the chances of recovery.
Diagnostic ultrasound, also called sonography or medical sonography, utilizes high frequency sound waves above the range of human hearing to produce images of internal structures. In an ultrasound, the technician uses a small handheld transducer that delivers sound waves into the body. The sound waves return to the transducer and are delivered into a computer, which interprets the waves into a viewable image that provides valuable data concerning internal organs and structures. Because an ultrasound utilizes sound waves instead of radiation, it is an entirely safe procedure.
Ultrasound can be used to help doctors diagnose different types of cancer and evaluate the progression of treatment. Your physician will recommend an ultrasound based on the type of cancer you have. The advantage to ultrasound is it gets pictures of soft tissue diseases that may not show up well on x-rays. It can also be used to tell fluid-filled cysts from solid tumors, which is valuable in the diagnosis of cancer.
Ultrasound imaging allows doctors to identify a tumor, as well locate the exact area upon which to perform a biopsy. At Beverly Hills Cancer Center, we use the most advanced testing methods and technology in our state-of-the-art facility, including ultrasound imaging.
In an ultrasound test, sound waves are sent into the targeted area of the body, and the echo of the sound waves is sent to a computer that creates a real-time image of the systems within the body structure. It is safe and painless, and does not involve the use of radiation.
Prior to your ultrasound, you will be given directions about what you need to do to prepare. In many cases, all you will need to do is wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing. Different areas of the body may require more specific pre-test instructions. An ultrasound performed on the abdomen may require you to eat a fat-free meal the evening prior to the test, to avoid food or drink for 12 hours prior to the test, and to drink a quart of water one hour prior to the test so your bladder is full, to help create a better image. Many health insurance plans cover all or part of the cost of ultrasound image tests.
For the test, you will be asked to remove some (or all) of your clothing, depending upon the area of the body to be viewed. Gel is spread on the skin of the area to be tested. The image is produced with the use of a hand-held device called a transducer, which the technician moves back and forth over the body. Images are displayed on a screen, and these images are saved so they can be reviewed by a radiologist to aid in diagnosis. In some cases, a probe is inserted in the body, such as in cases of suspected prostate cancer or to view the uterus or ovaries in a woman. The test will take only 20 minutes to an hour to perform.
The ultrasound imaging test is used to identify tumor growth in various areas of the body. Once an area is identified, a biopsy can be performed to test the tissue for cancer cells. This is termed “image-guided” biopsy. These tests are frequently ordered to identify cancer growths in the lymph nodes, breasts, and liver or other parts of the body. Ultrasound can also be used in combination with endoscopy (a small flexible tube with a tiny camera inserted in the body to view certain areas) or bronchoscopy (a flexible tube inserted through then nose and down the throat with a camera for viewing the lungs) to identify tumors in the gastrointestinal tract or lungs.
COVID-19 is a new type of virus that can cause mild to severe infections in the lungs. Like other viruses, it can lead to serious infections for people with weakened immune systems. COVID-19 may cause more severe infections than other viruses. We do not have a vaccine to help control its spread, but experts are working to make a vaccine.
The virus can spread easily, just like the common cold or flu. It spreads when an infected person coughs or sneezes droplets that can get into the eyes, nose, or mouth of people nearby. Droplets also land on surfaces that people touch before touching their own eyes, nose, or mouth.
These are some of the best ways to protect yourself and others from the virus:
Some people with cancer might have a higher risk of getting COVID-19 or having a serious infection from it. Do your best to follow the steps listed above to protect yourself. Ask your doctor or nurse if they have special recommendations based on your health or type of treatment.
Call your doctor right away if any of these happen to you:
It is recommended to wear a mask in pubic at all times. Please wear a mask at all times while at Beverly Hills Cancer Center as well. This can help prevent the spread of the virus, and protect both you and those around you.
If you are caring for or living with someone with cancer, do your best to keep them from getting the virus. Follow the steps to protect yourself listed on this sheet.
If you become sick yourself, call your doctor to see what more you should do to protect your loved one.
If you are sick or have been exposed to COVID-19, we ask that you not come to Beverly Hills Cancer Center. We ask that you find someone who isn’t sick to join your loved one at their appointments.
To protect all patients, we may limit the number of people who can visit someone staying in the hospital. Please check with your care team.
Our Facility is taking steps to keep patients separate from those who may be at risk. At every appointment, your care team will ask questions about overall health and recent travel. Patients and anyone entering the center will have their temperature checked upon arrival, and will be asked to wear a mask. Visitors are limited if they are not actual patients, including family members, and translation services are also being conducted by phone or video instead of in person. Staff members are wearing increased protective equipment. We may ask some patients to wait in a separate room or to reschedule until they are feeling better if they have any symptoms. Everyone must respect social distancing protocols wherever possible including in the waiting room, infusion area and clinic.
We are also taking extra steps to clean and disinfect surfaces throughout our Facility between each patient, and deeper cleaning each evening.
Yes. Your care is our top priority. Although we may change some ways we care for you, we will never put your care or health at risk.
For international patients, we are here for you each step of the way. We have resources for private travel arrangements, including private jet, private car transfers from airport, and relationships with local housing and hotel options with the top safety and cleanliness precautions.
To schedule an appointment, please call Beverly Hills Cancer Center in Beverly Hills, California at (877) 320-5131 or Click the link below to access our Online Appointment Request
Book An Appointment© Beverly Hills Cancer Center. All Rights Reserved. Web Design & Internet Marketing by Studio III
