Private Breast Lumps & Bumps
Breast & Armpit / Axilla Ultrasound Scan

Ultrasounds are a type of diagnostic imaging technology that doctors and healthcare providers use to see organs and tissue inside the body. Unlike other imaging tools, ultrasound does not use radiation – ultrasound scans are safe and risk-free.

A breast lump ultrasound uses high-frequency sound waves to capture detailed images of breast and armpit/axilla lumps, bumps, and other abnormalities. The examination can give you answers about breast lump pain, hardness, and other symptoms.

A breast lump check is not painful or excessively time-consuming, and it doesn’t require any special preparation or downtime. Your health is of paramount importance, so if you or your doctor has detected a lump, contact the friendly and compassionate team at Harley Street Ultrasound to schedule your appointment.

You might need a breast lump check using ultrasound for one of several reasons. Usually, your doctor will ask you to get an ultrasound if a physical exam reveals a breast abnormality, such as a tender or painful area or a lump in your breast or armpit. 

Ultrasound is also indicated when there is nipple discharge, changes to the breast shape including nipple indentation and puckering, in addition to prolonged breast pain.

Breast lumps and bumps are masses that form in the breast. They vary in size and texture – some are small, others large, some feel hard, others like a sponge. Occasionally, breast lumps cause pain.

Other times, they slip by unnoticed until you undergo a scan, mammogram, or physical exam.

Breast and armpit/axilla lumps and bumps can occur in both women and men. Some are benign, while others can be cancerous. If you or your doctor has detected a suspicious lump, it’s crucial you get a breast lump check as soon as possible.

The sooner you get a breast lump ultrasound, the sooner you can take the next steps and protect what matters most: your health.

Mammograms are a type of low-energy X-ray examination used to screen for breast cancer and other abnormalities. Ultrasounds are not X-rays and do not use radiation.

Sometimes, breast lump ultrasounds are ordered following a mammogram or instead of a mammogram. Usually, if you are under 40, your doctor will recommend you undergo an ultrasound instead of a mammogram following UK guidelines.

This is because younger women tend to have denser breasts, making mammograms less effective. 

Although the radiation dose from mammograms is low, younger breasts can be more sensitive to this. There are instances where mammograms can be useful in younger women but these must be discussed with a breast specialist doctor and are usually performed when very specific criteria are met.

You don't need to make any special preparations before your breast lump ultrasound. You can eat and drink as normal. However, to make your experience as comfortable as possible, you may want to consider the following:

• Your specialist consultant will need unobstructed access to your breast and armpit area. So, avoid wearing necklaces and other jewellery. Or, if you do want to wear jewellery, make sure you can easily remove it.

• Powders, cosmetics, and lotions can affect the accuracy of a breast lump check. Avoid using products on the breast and armpit area before your appointment.

• During your appointment, your consultant will ask you to undress from the waist up. Wear a top that you can easily take on and off.

The breast lump check procedure is simple and easy. It generally unfolds as follows:

• Your consultant will lead you into the private examination room and ask you to undress from the waist up. You will then lie on your back on the examination table.

• They will apply a cool gel to your breast area. It may feel cold but will soon warm to body temperature. The gel is conductive, helping the safe ultrasound waves travel through your breast.

• Your consultant will move a wand-like device called a transducer over the area. This device sends and receives sound waves to create real-time images of the inside of your breast. The recording will be visible on a monitor.

The examination will take about 30 minutes from start to finish.

At Harley Street Ultrasound, your experience is our number one priority. Our consultants are highly qualified, but that’s not all. 

They are compassionate individuals dedicated to making you feel comfortable and relaxed. While the breast lump ultrasound procedure is quick and straightforward, we understand that health examinations can be a source of anxiety. If there is anything we can do to help, please do not hesitate to ask.

Ultrasounds do not use radiation. Instead, they use harmless, high-frequency sound waves. For this reason, there are no risks associated with breast lump ultrasounds.

We do not keep you waiting. When you choose Harley Street Ultrasound for your breast lump check, we give you secure, private access to your ultrasound images on the same day as your appointment. 

What’s more, you can view and share these images from any internet-connected device, including your smartphone and computer.

No significant preparation is required for this test.

Many of our patients are concerned that if they come to us for an ultrasound, they won’t be able to go back to public health. That simply is not the case.

Our goal is to give you answers as quickly as possible and get you on the right treatment path fast – no strings attached.

When you come to us, you will be seen by a qualified specialist who can determine if your situation is serious or not that same day.

We don’t want you to wait weeks on end for an appointment because every minute counts when it comes to something as important as your health.

If your situation is serious, our specialist will write to your doctor in the NHS advising them that you need an urgent appointment.