Private Breast Ultrasound
Armpit / Axilla Included

A Breast Ultrasound is a safe, painless, and radiation-free imaging test that uses high-frequency sound waves to produce detailed, real-time images of the breast tissue, including both breasts and the armpits and axilla.

Unlike mammography, which uses radiation and can be less effective in younger women with naturally denser breast tissue, ultrasound is the recommended first-line investigation for women under 40.

It is highly effective at distinguishing between fluid-filled Cysts, which are typically harmless, and solid Masses that may require further investigation.

At Harley Street Ultrasound Group, every Breast Ultrasound is performed by a Breast Scan Specialist Doctor who will assess both breasts and armpits in real time, explaining their findings as the scan progresses.

You will leave with a Full Medical Report, high-resolution digital images, and Tailored Advice on any next steps, all ready the Same Day.

For patients who would like a more comprehensive evaluation combining ultrasound with a clinical assessment, our Breast Assessment brings together two specialists in a single appointment.

There are several reasons why patients choose to book a private Breast Ultrasound, and you do not need a GP referral to access one. The most common reasons include:

You have noticed a change in your breast If you have found a Lump, noticed Nipple Discharge, or experienced prolonged Breast Pain or changes in the appearance of your breast tissue, a Breast Ultrasound is an effective and immediate way to investigate what is causing it.

You want supplemental screening For women under 40, ultrasound is the recommended first-line imaging investigation. Younger women naturally have denser breast tissue, which makes mammography less reliable.

Ultrasound is radiation-free and highly effective at identifying abnormalities even before symptoms appear. For women over 40 with Dense Breast Tissue, ultrasound also works as a valuable supplemental screening tool alongside mammography.

You are pregnant or under 25 Ultrasound is the safest imaging option for pregnant women and younger patients as it involves no radiation exposure whatsoever.

You have breast implants Regular ultrasound checks are recommended for women with breast implants to monitor for complications that may not cause obvious symptoms. For a dedicated implant assessment, visit our Breast Implant and Illness Check service.

Whatever brings you to us, our Breast Scan Specialist Doctor is here to give you clear answers and peace of mind. You can book online today with no referral needed.

A Breast Ultrasound can identify suspicious findings that may indicate Breast Cancer, including solid Masses, irregular growths, and abnormal Lymph Nodes in the axilla.

However, it is important to understand how it fits into the broader picture of breast cancer investigation.

For women under 40, ultrasound is the recommended first-line imaging investigation for breast concerns. Younger women have naturally denser breast tissue, which makes mammography significantly less effective. In this age group, ultrasound has been shown to have higher sensitivity for detecting suspicious lesions than mammography.

For women over 40, mammography remains the primary breast cancer screening tool. However, ultrasound plays an important supplemental role, particularly for women with Dense Breast Tissue, where mammography alone may miss certain abnormalities.

It is worth being clear that no single imaging tool can detect all breast cancers in all patients.

A Breast Ultrasound is a highly valuable part of the diagnostic process, and where findings require further investigation, your Breast Scan Specialist Doctor will include clear Tailored Advice in your Full Medical Report on the most appropriate next steps, which may include additional imaging or a clinical assessment.

On a Breast Ultrasound, suspicious findings that may indicate Breast Cancer typically appear as darker, irregularly shaped masses with poorly defined or uneven edges.

This is distinct from benign Cysts, which tend to appear as round or oval shapes with smooth, well-defined borders and are usually fluid-filled.

Your Breast Scan Specialist Doctor will assess a range of characteristics when evaluating any finding, including:

• The shape of the mass, whether regular or irregular

• The margins or edges, whether smooth and defined or jagged and unclear

• The internal structure, whether fluid-filled or solid

• Any shadowing or changes in the surrounding tissue

It is important to understand that ultrasound cannot definitively diagnose Breast Cancer. A biopsy is always required to confirm any diagnosis.

What ultrasound does extremely well is identify findings that warrant further investigation, and your Breast Scan Specialist Doctor will explain exactly what they have seen and what the appropriate next steps are before you leave.

A Breast Ultrasound at Harley Street Ultrasound provides a detailed assessment of both breasts and armpits, looking for a range of findings that could be contributing to your symptoms or causing concern.

Your Breast Scan Specialist Doctor will be assessing for:

• Lumps, Cysts, Masses, and Tumours, distinguishing between fluid-filled cysts which are typically harmless and solid masses that may require further investigation

• Abnormalities in both breasts and armpits and axilla

• Signs of Infection and Inflammation

• Early Signs of Cancer including suspicious growths and abnormal Lymph Nodes

• Breast Implant complications including silent ruptures and BIA-ALCL

• Dense Breast Tissue changes that may not be visible on mammography

It is worth noting that while a Breast Ultrasound is a highly effective diagnostic tool, it works best as part of a broader approach to breast health.

Where findings require further investigation, your Full Medical Report will include clear Tailored Advice on the most appropriate next steps.

Women with breast implants are recommended to have regular ultrasound checks to monitor for complications that may not cause obvious symptoms.

These include implant ruptures, Capsular Contracture, Lumps, and BIA-ALCL, a rare but treatable condition that can develop in the tissue surrounding implants.

A Breast Ultrasound at Harley Street Ultrasound can assess implant integrity and identify any changes that need further attention.

For a comprehensive implant assessment including a full clinical evaluation, visit our dedicated Breast Implant and Illness Check service.

Preparing for a Breast Ultrasound at Harley Street Ultrasound is straightforward. There is no fasting required, no changes to your diet, and no need to take time away from your normal daily routine.

To make your appointment as smooth as possible, we recommend:

• Wearing loose, comfortable clothing that is easy to remove or that allows easy access to the chest area, as you will be asked to undress from the waist up

• Avoiding lotions, powders, or creams on the breast area on the day of your appointment, as these can interfere with the ultrasound gel and image quality

• Leaving jewellery at home, particularly anything around the chest and neck area

• Arriving a few minutes early so you have time to settle in before your scan

The water-based gel used during the scan is suitable for sensitive skin and wipes away easily, though you may prefer not to wear your best outfit on the day as traces of gel can occasionally remain on clothing.

If you have any questions ahead of your appointment, our team is happy to help.

You will not have to wait for your results. At Harley Street Ultrasound, your Breast Scan Specialist Doctor shares their findings with you in real time as the scan takes place, so you leave your appointment with a clear picture of your breast health rather than days of uncertainty.

Once your scan is complete, you will receive:

• A Full Medical Report prepared by your Breast Scan Specialist Doctor

• High-resolution digital images from your scan, accessible on any device including your smartphone

• Tailored Advice on any recommended next steps

Everything is ready the Same Day as your appointment.

If your Breast Scan Specialist Doctor identifies anything that requires further investigation, your report will include clear guidance on what to do next, so you leave with answers rather than more questions.

It is completely normal to feel a little nervous before a Breast Ultrasound, particularly if it is your first time. Our Breast Scan Specialist Doctor is experienced in putting patients at ease, and your comfort is as much a priority as the scan itself.

During your scan

When you arrive, you will be shown to one of our private examination rooms.

You will be asked to undress from the waist up and remove any jewellery, and you will be given full privacy to do so. You will then be asked to lie down on the examination table. The lights may be dimmed slightly to help your Breast Scan Specialist Doctor view the screen more clearly.

A small amount of water-based gel will be applied to the breast and armpit area. The gel may feel slightly cool on contact but is suitable for sensitive skin and wipes away easily afterwards.

Your Breast Scan Specialist Doctor will then gently move a small handheld probe across both breasts and armpits, capturing real-time images of the tissue beneath.

Rather than reviewing findings separately afterwards, your Breast Scan Specialist Doctor will explain what they are seeing as the scan progresses and is happy to answer any questions along the way.

The scan is completely painless for most patients. If you feel any discomfort at any point, please let your Breast Scan Specialist Doctor know straight away.

After your scan

There is no recovery time required. You will be given tissues to wipe away any remaining gel and full privacy to redress. You will receive your Full Medical Report, high-resolution digital images, and Tailored Advice on any next steps, all ready the Same Day.

Your Breast Ultrasound typically takes between 20 and 30 minutes.

This includes a full assessment of both breasts and armpits, carried out by your Breast Scan Specialist Doctor who will talk you through their findings in real time as the scan progresses.

There is no recovery time afterwards, so you are free to carry on with your day as normal once you leave.

Once your Breast Ultrasound is complete, you are free to get dressed and carry on with your day as normal. There is no recovery time, no restrictions on eating or drinking, and no aftercare required.

Because your Breast Scan Specialist Doctor shares their findings with you in real time during the scan, you will not leave with unanswered questions.

Your Full Medical Report, complete with high-resolution digital images and Tailored Advice, will be ready the Same Day.

If your results are normal, you leave with the reassurance of knowing that. If anything needs further investigation, your report will set out a clear path forward.

In cases where urgent attention is needed, your Breast Scan Specialist Doctor will contact your GP directly on your behalf.

Choosing a private Breast Ultrasound does not mean stepping away from the NHS. Many of our patients come to us because they have noticed a change in their breast and cannot afford to wait weeks for an NHS appointment. With breast health, acting quickly matters, and that is exactly what we are here for.

At Harley Street Ultrasound, you can book online today, be seen by a Breast Scan Specialist Doctor the Same Day, and leave with a Full Medical Report and Tailored Advice before the week is out. If everything looks normal, you have the reassurance of knowing that straight away.

If something needs urgent attention, your Breast Scan Specialist Doctor will write directly to your GP to flag that a prompt NHS appointment is needed.

You will not lose your place in the NHS system by coming to us first, and there are no strings attached. We simply get you the answers you need as quickly as possible and make sure you are in exactly the right place for whatever comes next.