Ultrasounds

An ultrasound is a safe, painless, and radiation-free imaging test that creates real-time images and videos of internal organs and tissues. This non-invasive technology allows doctors to examine your body’s internal structures without surgery or radiation exposure.

Ultrasounds are usually performed externally using a handheld device, but in some cases, the transducer may be gently inserted inside the body for a detailed view.

At CAM Medical Group, we provide state-of-the-art ultrasound services using advanced imaging technology for accurate results. Whether you need a routine scan or a detailed evaluation, our expert team provides reliable and timely results.

How Does Ultrasound Work

To perform an ultrasound, our technician uses a handheld device called a transducer that emits high-frequency sound waves to create detailed images of the body’s internal structures.

Here is how the process happens:

A special gel is applied to the skin, and the transducer is placed on the area being examined.
The transducer sends high-frequency sound waves into the body.
These waves travel through tissues and bounce back when they hit organs or other structures.
The returning echoes are collected by the transducer and sent to a computer.
The computer translates the echoes into real-time images, allowing doctors to examine the body’s internal structures.

Unlike X-rays or CT scans, ultrasound does not use radiation, making it one of the safest and most commonly used imaging methods in healthcare.

Types of Ultrasound We Offer

Ultrasound scans can help diagnose and monitor a wide range of medical conditions.

At CAM Medical Group, we offer a wide range of ultrasound services to provide accurate diagnoses, monitor ongoing health conditions, and assist in medical treatments.

1. Diagnostic Ultrasounds

Diagnostic ultrasounds are a key tool in identifying and evaluating a variety of medical conditions. They help detect the causes of pain, swelling, and other unexplained symptoms.

Below are the key diagnostic ultrasound services we provide.

Abdominal Ultrasound

An abdominal ultrasound provides a detailed view of the organs in the abdomen to detect abnormalities such as inflammation, cysts, and blockages. It is commonly used to examine:

Liver – Identifies fatty liver disease, cirrhosis, tumors, and cysts
Gallbladder – Detects gallstones, inflammation, or bile duct obstructions
Pancreas – Helps diagnose pancreatitis, cysts, and pancreatic tumors
Kidneys – Identifies and helps evaluate kidney stones, infections, and cysts
Spleen – Assesses spleen enlargement, injury, or infections

Abdominal ultrasounds can also help identify bulging or weakening of the abdominal aorta, which can lead to a life-threatening rupture if untreated. This condition is called Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm (AAA). The ultrasound helps measure the size of the aneurysm, monitor its growth, and assess the risk of rupture.

Breast Ultrasound

This ultrasound helps us examine breast tissue for lumps, cysts, or other abnormalities. It is often used when a mammogram shows unclear results or when a patient has dense breast tissue, which may make mammograms less effective.

Thyroid Ultrasound

A thyroid ultrasound helps assess the thyroid gland, which is critical in metabolism and hormone production. It can be used to:

Detect thyroid nodules and determine whether they are solid, fluid-filled, or have any suspicious masses
Evaluate an enlarged thyroid for potential underlying conditions
Identify cysts or abnormal growths that may require further testing

Pelvic Ultrasound

Pelvic ultrasounds provide imaging of the reproductive organs and surrounding structures. They are frequently used to assess conditions for both men and women.

For women: The uterus, ovaries, fallopian tubes, and bladder for conditions such as fibroids, ovarian cysts, endometriosis, and potential reproductive health concerns.
For men: The prostate gland is examined for signs of enlargement, tumors, or other abnormalities.

Pelvic ultrasound in women can be performed through the abdomen or the vagina (transvaginally).

Transvaginal Ultrasound

A transvaginal ultrasound provides a closer, more detailed view of the female reproductive organs. It involves inserting a small transducer into the vagina to examine your uterus, ovaries, and cervix.

This method can be particularly useful for detecting early pregnancy, ovarian cysts, fibroids, and other gynecological conditions.

Soft Tissue & Musculoskeletal Ultrasound

This type of ultrasound focuses on muscles, tendons, ligaments, and joints, making it a valuable tool for diagnosing injuries and chronic conditions. It can help detect:

Sports injuries – Detects tendon tears, ligament injuries, and muscle strains
Tendonitis and bursitis – Identifies inflammation in tendons and fluid-filled sacs (bursae) around joints
Arthritis and joint pain – Helps diagnose arthritis by detecting joint inflammation or fluid buildup
Nerve compression – Assesses conditions such as carpal tunnel syndrome or nerve entrapment

2. Stress Echocardiogram

A stress echocardiogram is a specialized ultrasound test that evaluates how your heart functions under physical stress. It helps us assess blood flow, detect abnormalities, and identify potential heart conditions that may not be visible when the heart is at rest. This test is often used to diagnose coronary artery disease and monitor heart health over time.

3. Pregnancy Ultrasound

Pregnancy ultrasounds monitor a baby's health and development throughout pregnancy. We provide different types of prenatal or obstetric ultrasounds. These scans help confirm pregnancy, detect multiple pregnancies, and assess fetal growth and organ development.

What to Expect During Your Ultrasound Appointment

At CAM Medical Group, we strive to make your ultrasound appointment as comfortable and stress-free as possible. Preparation for your ultrasound may vary depending on the type of scan you need.

Our team will provide specific instructions before your appointment to ensure you are fully prepared. Here are some common guidelines.

Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing to make it easier to access the area being examined.
Abdominal ultrasounds may require fasting for a few hours before the exam.
Pelvic ultrasounds often require a full bladder, so you may be asked to drink water beforehand.
Thyroid, musculoskeletal, and soft tissue ultrasounds usually do not require any special preparation.

During the ultrasound, our trained ultrasound technician will guide you through the process:

You will be asked to lie down on an examination table.
A water-based gel will be applied to the skin over the area being examined. This gel helps the ultrasound probe (transducer) move smoothly and improves image quality.
The technician gently moves the transducer over the targeted area to capture real-time images.
In some cases, such as transvaginal or transrectal ultrasounds, a specially designed probe may be inserted into the vagina or rectal area to provide clearer imaging.
The procedure is completely painless, though you may feel mild pressure in some areas.

Once the scan is complete, the gel is wiped off, and you can resume normal activities immediately; there is no downtime or recovery period with ultrasounds.

Our expert physicians will review the images and discuss the results with you. If further evaluation or follow-up is needed, we will guide you through the next steps.

Schedule an Ultrasound In North & West Chicago

Your health deserves clear answers and timely care, and at CAM Medical Group, we provide both. Our ultrasound services use advanced imaging technology to give you accurate insights into your health.

We are committed to making your experience as easy as possible, so our team is proud to offer bilingual support in English and Spanish. For your convenience, we also offer flexible scheduling options, including Saturday hours and walk-in availability.

To schedule a consultation, walk into our clinic on W Wilson Ave or N Western Ave in Chicago. Alternatively, you can call us or request an appointment online.