Characterise lumps and masses
Ultrasound can distinguish between solid (lipoma, fibroma) and cystic (ganglion, abscess) masses, often reassuring patients and avoiding unnecessary biopsies.
Soft tissue ultrasound is a non‑invasive imaging test that uses high‑frequency sound waves to evaluate the body's soft tissues – including muscles, tendons, ligaments, nerves, fat, and superficial masses. It is an essential tool for diagnosing lumps, swellings, sports injuries, inflammatory conditions, and nerve entrapments. It is safe, radiation‑free, and provides dynamic, real‑time images.
This examination is commonly used to assess palpable lumps (lipomas, cysts, abscesses), muscle tears, tendonitis (e.g., Achilles, rotator cuff), ligament sprains, foreign bodies, and joint effusions. It is also useful for guiding injections or aspirations.
At Amytri, our soft tissue ultrasounds are performed by experienced consultant radiologists using state‑of‑the‑art high‑frequency linear transducers. We systematically evaluate the area of concern, characterise any masses or injuries, and provide a detailed report with clinical correlation. Our findings help your GP, orthopaedic surgeon, or physiotherapist make informed decisions about further investigation, treatment, or surgery.
Soft tissue symptoms are common – from sports injuries to persistent lumps. Ultrasound provides a safe, accurate, and dynamic assessment to guide diagnosis and treatment.
Ultrasound can distinguish between solid (lipoma, fibroma) and cystic (ganglion, abscess) masses, often reassuring patients and avoiding unnecessary biopsies.
Dynamic ultrasound can detect tears, inflammation, and degeneration – guiding rehabilitation, injection therapy, or surgical planning.
For known conditions, serial ultrasound monitors healing, resolution of fluid collections, or progression of degenerative changes.
We perform a systematic examination of the area of concern, using high‑frequency transducers and dynamic manoeuvres for optimal assessment.
We characterise any palpable or visible lump – documenting size, location, margins, echogenicity (cystic, solid, or complex), and vascularity (Doppler) to distinguish benign lesions (lipomas, cysts) from suspicious masses.
We evaluate muscle texture, thickness, and echogenicity – looking for tears, contusions, haematomas, or atrophy. Dynamic assessment during contraction may identify hernias or functional defects.
We assess tendon thickness, echogenicity, and fibrillar pattern – detecting tendinosis, partial or complete tears, and peritendinous fluid (tenosynovitis). Dynamic evaluation may reveal impingement or subluxation.
We evaluate ligaments for thickening, tears, or calcification. Joints are assessed for effusion, synovitis, or loose bodies.
We assess nerve size, echotexture, and vascularity – identifying entrapment (e.g., carpal tunnel syndrome), neuromas, or nerve sheath tumours.
Ultrasound can detect and localise foreign bodies (glass, wood, metal) that may not be visible on X‑ray, guiding removal.
No special preparation is required. You can eat, drink, and take medications as usual. Wear comfortable clothing that allows easy access to the area of concern.
You lie in a position that exposes the area of interest (e.g., supine, prone, or with limb positioned). The radiologist applies gel and uses a small transducer to scan the soft tissues. You may be asked to move or contract muscles for dynamic assessment. The scan takes 15‑30 minutes and is painless.
The radiologist reviews the images, characterises any masses or injuries, assesses vascularity, and provides a comprehensive report for your referring doctor.
We discuss the findings with you (where appropriate) and recommend further steps – which may include surveillance, physiotherapy, injection, biopsy, or specialist referral (orthopaedics, rheumatology, surgery).
It is a versatile test used for a wide range of soft tissue symptoms and conditions.
Any new lump should be evaluated – ultrasound can identify if it is cystic, solid, or vascular, and guide further management.
Persistent pain after injury or overuse – ultrasound can assess for tears, tendonitis, bursitis, or effusion.
Ultrasound is commonly used for acute and chronic sports injuries – including muscle tears, tendon ruptures, and ligament sprains.
Tingling, numbness, or pain – ultrasound can evaluate for nerve compression (e.g., carpal tunnel syndrome).
If you have a retained splinter, glass, or other foreign object – ultrasound can locate and guide removal.
For patients with known lipomas, ganglia, or chronic tendonitis, serial ultrasound monitors changes and guides treatment.
Dr. Abhishek has extensive experience in musculoskeletal and superficial ultrasound, with a special focus on characterising lumps, tendon injuries, and dynamic joint assessment. He is skilled in using high‑frequency transducers and Doppler to provide accurate, actionable information for clinicians and patients.
Soft tissue ultrasound is often part of an injury or lump work‑up – having your partner with you can provide reassurance and shared understanding.
We welcome partners to attend the ultrasound. We explain what we are seeing, show you the images on screen, and discuss the findings. Your partner's presence can be helpful for understanding the results and planning next steps together.
It is a non‑invasive imaging test that uses high‑frequency sound waves to evaluate muscles, tendons, ligaments, superficial lumps, and other soft tissues – helping diagnose masses, injuries, and inflammatory conditions.
No special preparation is required. You can eat and drink normally. Wear comfortable clothing that allows access to the area being examined.
No, the scan is painless. You may feel mild pressure from the transducer, but it is not uncomfortable. Dynamic movements may be requested, but these are not painful.
Ultrasound can identify suspicious features in masses – such as irregular margins, internal vascularity, or invasion – that raise concern for malignancy. However, biopsy is required for definitive diagnosis. It is an excellent first‑line test for characterising lumps.
A soft tissue ultrasound typically takes 15‑30 minutes, depending on the size and complexity of the area examined.
Yes, a referral from your doctor is recommended. They will use the results to guide your diagnosis and treatment – especially if further intervention (biopsy, surgery) is considered.
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