Ultrasound scan when you have cancer of unknown primary

Ultrasound scans use high frequency sound waves to create a picture of a part of the body. An abdominal ultrasound scan shows up blood flow and changes in your tummy (abdomen), including abnormal growths.

You might have an ultrasound scan to look at organs in your tummy, such as the liver and ovaries. The type of ultrasound scan you have depends on your symptoms. 

How you have an ultrasound scan

The ultrasound scanner has a microphone that gives off sound waves. The sound waves bounce off the organs inside your body, and the microphone picks them up. The microphone links to a computer that turns the sound waves into a picture on the screen.

Ultrasound scans are completely painless. You usually have the scan in the hospital x-ray department by a sonographer. A sonographer is a trained professional who is specialised in ultrasound scanning.

Preparing for your scan

Check your appointment letter for any instructions about how to prepare for your scan.

You might need to stop eating for 6 hours beforehand. Let the scan team know if this will be a problem for any reason, for example if you are diabetic.

They might ask you to drink plenty before your scan so that you have a comfortably full bladder.

Take your medicines as normal unless your doctor tells you otherwise.

What happens

Before the scan

When you arrive at the clinic a staff member might ask you to take off your upper clothing and put on a hospital gown.

The sonographer will explain what to expect during the test. You can usually have a family member or a friend with you for the test. Just let the sonographer know that someone will be there with you.

During the scan

You're taken to the ultrasound room or bay. The area is quite dark.

You lie on a couch for the test next to the ultrasound machine.

The sonographer puts a cold gel over your abdomen. Then they gently slide the handheld probe over your skin. The gel helps the sonographer get clear pictures on the screen.

You might feel a little pressure when the sonographer moves the probe over your abdomen. Tell them if it is uncomfortable.

The sonographer might ask you to change position a few times or hold your breath so they can get clear pictures.

They might also ask you to go to the toilet to empty your bladder during the test. This is so that they can scan it whilst empty. The sonographer will let you know if you need to do this.

Having a full bladder may make you feel uncomfortable and you’ll have the urge to go to the toilet.

What happens afterwards

You can eat and drink normally after the test. You can go straight home or back to work afterwards.

Possible risks

An ultrasound scan is a very safe procedure. It doesn’t involve radiation and there are usually no side effects.

Getting your results

You should get your results within 1 or 2 weeks. 

Waiting for results can make you anxious. Ask your doctor or nurse how long it will take to get them. Contact the doctor who arranged the test if you haven’t heard anything after a couple of weeks.

You might have contact details for a specialist nurse who you can contact for information if you need to. It may help to talk to a close friend or relative about how you feel. You may want them to go with you to get the results for support.