Ultrasound
Ultrasound uses sound waves to create real-time images of organs, soft tissues, pregnancy, and blood flow.
When to get help quickly: Urgent ultrasound may be needed for severe abdominal pain, ectopic pregnancy concern, testicular pain, suspected gallbladder infection, blocked kidneys, or sudden swelling where a clot is being considered.
Common symptoms
Ultrasound is often requested for pain, swelling, a lump, pregnancy assessment, abnormal bleeding, urinary symptoms, or concerns about organs such as the liver, gallbladder, kidneys, pelvis, or thyroid.
When imaging helps
It helps when doctors need to look at soft tissues in real time, assess fluid, guide a needle, or check blood flow without using ionizing radiation.
What radiology does
It is commonly used for pelvic scans, abdominal pain, thyroid lumps, soft tissue swellings, and vascular studies.
What usually happens next
Its findings may lead to reassurance, follow-up imaging, procedures, or specialist referral depending on what is seen.
Need this done?
See which centers in Lagos offer it.
Related articles
- When an Ultrasound Is the Right ScanUltrasound is not just for pregnancy. It is one of the most useful scans for everyday questions about pain, swelling, organs, and blood flow.
- How to Prepare a Child for an X-Ray or UltrasoundChildren cope better with scans when they know what is coming, even if the explanation is short and simple.
- Breast Ultrasound and Mammography: Why You May Need One or BothMammograms and breast ultrasounds show breast tissue differently. Age, symptoms, risk, and earlier findings help determine which is appropriate.
Related scan guides
- 3D/4D Obstetric UltrasoundA 3D/4D obstetric ultrasound is an optional scan that provides three-dimensional, moving images of your baby in the womb. It lets you see your baby's facial features, expressions, and movements in real-time.
- Abdominal UltrasoundAn Abdominal Ultrasound examines the major organs in your belly, such as your liver, gallbladder, pancreas, and spleen. This quick test paints a picture of your digestive and filtration organs using sound waves.
- Breast UltrasoundA Breast Ultrasound uses sound waves to evaluate breast tissue, often acting as a companion test to a standard mammogram. It helps doctors take a much closer look at a specific lump or area of concern to figure out exactly what it is.