Transvaginal Ultrasound Health Article

Abnormal results

Abnormal results include the finding of growths, such as masses or cysts, and any unexpected thickness of the structures evaluated. Because of the risk of false positive results, any abnormal findings should be further evaluated and confirmed before undergoing surgery or treatment for the suspected condition. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is often ordered to further evaluate masses. An endometrial biopsy is performed to further evaluate a thickened uterine lining.

Resources

BOOKS

Libov, Charlotte. Beat Your Risk Factors. New York: Plume Books, 1999.

Runowicz, Carolyn D., Jeanne A. Petrek, and Ted S. Gansler. American Cancer Society: Women and Cancer. New York:Villard Books, 1999.

Teeley, Peter, and Philip Bashe. The Complete Cancer Survival Guide. New York: Doubleday, 2000.

PERIODICALS

Rubin, Rita. "Ultrasound Studied as Ovarian Cancer Test."USA Today (8 February 2000).

Esther Csapo Rastegari, R.N., B.S.N., Ed.M.

Radiologist

—A physician with special training in radiology, the study of x rays, Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), ultrasound, and other imaging technology to assist in the diagnosis of a disease or condition.

False positive

—A false positive is a positive finding of a test when, in fact, the true result was negative. This would mean that the test results indicate that a patient had a particular condition or disease when they do not.

QUESTIONS TO ASK THE DOCTOR

• What are you looking for with this test?
• Who will perform the test? Is that person board-certified?
• Who will read the results? Is that person board-certified?
• Does the facility utilize color flow Doppler imaging?
• When, how and from whom will I receive the results?
• If the result is positive, how will you evaluate if it was a false positive?
• Will my insurance cover the cost of this test?