An ultrasound uses high-frequency sound waves and computer technology to visualize internal structures and tissues. It can be used to help determine the size, shape, composition, and texture of cysts and tumors.

During an ultrasound, a handheld device called a transducer is placed on your skin. A lubricant is used to help the transducer move across your skin. This instrument emits sound waves that travel through the tissue and then bounce back to the transducer, which in turn sends the information to the computer. The computer then creates an image based on these sound waves.