How to Answer: Can an ultrasound determine if a growth is cancerous?
Advice and answer examples written specifically for a Radiographer job interview.
28. Can an ultrasound determine if a growth is cancerous?
How to Answer
The interviewer wants to know that you have an understanding of what a specific diagnostic test can tell you. Many people will answer this question quickly without realizing what the interviewer is asking. Notice the question is not if the ultrasound will show a growth, but 'is it cancerous.' Share your knowledge.
Written by Darby Faubion on November 17th, 2018
Entry Level
"While an ultrasound can give a more in depth view of an area of a suspected growth, it is not the only thing used to diagnose. It can show a growth that is specific to a cancer, but biopsies will then be ordered to give a final diagnosis."
Written by Darby Faubion
Answer Example
"An ultrasound can show a growth, but it cannot determine what the growth is caused by and whether it is cancerous or not."
Written by Darby Faubion on November 17th, 2018
Experienced
"Ultrasounds can be used to try and get a better view of a suspected growth. There are many cancers, such as bone cancer, that are often seen on an xray, but a biopsy is still required to tell what type of cancer cell is present so that a plan of care can be established and implemented."
Written by Darby Faubion