What is an armpit (axilla) ultrasound?
An armpit ultrasound, also called an axillary ultrasound, is a scan of the armpit and the lymph nodes within it, along with any lump or swelling you have noticed. It uses sound waves rather than radiation, takes around twenty minutes, and is the standard first test for an armpit lump.
What does an armpit ultrasound show?
An armpit ultrasound examines the axilla systematically:
- The lymph nodes: their size, shape and internal pattern
- Any lump: whether it is fluid, fat or solid
- Cysts, lipomas and skin glands
- Accessory breast tissue and the tail of the breast
- Blood flow in anything that needs characterising
What causes a lump in the armpit?
Most armpit lumps have a harmless cause. The most common are:
- A reactive lymph node, swollen after an infection, a cold or a vaccination
- A cyst, blocked sweat gland or ingrown hair
- A lipoma: a soft, fatty lump
- Accessory breast tissue, which can swell with your cycle
Less commonly, a lump can be a sign of something that needs treatment, which is why a scan to tell them apart is so useful.
Is a lump in the armpit cancer?
Usually not. The great majority of armpit lumps are reactive lymph nodes, cysts or lipomas. A lump that is new, hard, fixed, growing or present for more than a few weeks should be checked, and an ultrasound is the quickest way to do that: your specialist can usually tell you on the day whether it looks benign or needs a biopsy.
Can a lump in the armpit be breast cancer?
Occasionally. The armpit lymph nodes drain the breast, and breast tissue itself extends into the armpit, so an armpit lump can sometimes be the first sign of a breast problem. That is why our breast imaging specialists perform this scan and check the breast tissue in the armpit as standard. If anything suggests the breast should be scanned too, they will tell you.
When should I worry about an armpit lump?
Get an armpit lump checked if it:
- Has been there for more than two to three weeks
- Is hard, fixed in place or getting bigger
- Comes with a breast lump, nipple change or skin change
- Comes with night sweats, fever or unexplained weight loss
A soft, tender lump that appears with an infection and settles within a fortnight is very likely to be a reactive node.
Can deodorant cause a lump in the armpit?
Deodorants and antiperspirants do not cause cancer. They can, however, irritate the skin, block sweat glands or contribute to small cysts and ingrown hairs, which can feel like a lump. If a lump does not settle within a couple of weeks, an ultrasound will tell you what it is.
Can armpit lumps come and go?
Yes. Lymph nodes swell when they are fighting an infection or responding to a vaccination, then shrink again over a few weeks. Accessory breast tissue can also become more noticeable around your period. A lump that comes and goes with these patterns is usually reassuring, but a scan is the simplest way to be sure.
Does a breast ultrasound include the armpit?
Yes: our breast ultrasound includes both armpits as standard, because the axilla drains the breast. If your concern is only the armpit, this dedicated armpit ultrasound is the right choice; if you also have a breast symptom, or the scan suggests the breast should be checked, a breast ultrasound covers both.
What does a normal armpit lymph node look like on ultrasound?
A normal lymph node is small and oval, with a thin dark outer rim (the cortex) and a bright fatty centre (the hilum), and blood flowing in at the centre. Reactive nodes may be a little larger with a thicker rim but keep this shape. Your specialist explains exactly what your nodes look like and why.
Does an armpit ultrasound hurt?
No. The probe rests gently on the skin with a little warm gel. If the lump is tender, the specialist presses carefully. There are no needles unless a biopsy is recommended and you agree to one, no radiation and no downtime.
How long does an armpit ultrasound take?
Around twenty minutes. That includes a short chat about the lump, a systematic examination of the armpit, and time for the specialist to explain the findings on screen while you watch.
What kind of doctor should I see for a lump in my armpit?
You can see your GP, or book directly with us: no GP referral is needed. Our armpit scans are performed by consultant breast radiology doctors, the specialists who assess armpit lumps and lymph nodes every day, so you get an expert answer without waiting for a referral.
How much does an armpit ultrasound cost?
At Harley Street Ultrasound a private armpit ultrasound costs £260, a fixed price for the appointment: the examination, the specialist’s time, your written report and images. If a biopsy is advised, it is quoted to you before you decide.
What if you find something?
Your specialist tells you in the room, in plain English, and explains exactly what it means. You will never be sent home to wait for a letter. Most findings are benign and need nothing more than a sensible review date.
Anything that does need attention gets a clear, objective recommendation in your report: monitor, test further, or refer. Follow-up tests can usually be arranged at 99 Harley Street, often the same week, and those results are also explained to you personally.
Do I need a referral?
No. Harley Street Ultrasound is a private clinic, so you can book an armpit ultrasound in London directly online or by phone. No GP letter, no waiting list, and same-day or next-day appointments are usually available. If you are searching for an armpit ultrasound near me from anywhere in central London, we are at 99 Harley Street, a short walk from Regent’s Park and Oxford Circus stations.
If you are wondering how much a private armpit ultrasound costs, the answer is published before you book: £260, a fixed price for the appointment: the examination, the specialist’s time, your written report and your images. Insured patients should bring a referral or authorisation number if their policy requires one.
How soon will I have the written report?
Usually the same day: a Harley Street armpit ultrasound comes with same-day results as standard, and you will already know the findings, because they are explained to you on screen during the appointment.
The written report is prepared by the specialist team and published to your secure patient portal together with your images, with measurements and a clear recommendation, ready to share with your GP or specialist.
What happens after the scan?
Nothing special: there is no aftercare needed. You can eat, drive and go back to work straight away. Diagnostic ultrasound at these intensities has no confirmed adverse effects, which is why it can be repeated safely for monitoring. If your results suggest a next step, your specialist explains it before you leave.
Can I still use the NHS afterwards?
Yes: completely. Coming to us privately never affects your NHS care. Our job is to get you answers quickly; if anything needs urgent attention, your specialist writes to your NHS GP recommending an urgent appointment, so you re-enter the NHS pathway with a diagnosis already in hand rather than joining the queue from the start.
