Does abdominal ultrasound always provide a diagnosis?
No. Abdominal ultrasounds are typically more diagnostically sensitive than abdominal X-rays and may provide an instant diagnosis. However, sometimes on an exam we visualize an abnormality (i.e. nodule) that can appear identical with benign and malignant disease. Other times a particular structure may appear normal, although it is affected by disease. We often perform what is called an ultrasound guided fine needle aspirate or biopsy of a particular organ or abnormality to increase the diagnostic value of ultrasound.
