Diagnosis: Transabdominal Ultrasound

Ultrasound testing involves placing an ultrasound probe on the surface of the abdomen.  The probe emits sound waves which bounce off body structures and are received by a computer.  The computer creates a picture that can show the size of the pancreas and possibly the presence of a tumor.

Most people are familiar with the use of ultrasound to image the development of a baby inside the womb.

Due to overlying gas in the abdomen and the deep location of the pancreas, it may be difficult to obtain a good image of the pancreas with this procedure.  This imaging technique is more common outside of the United States.

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