What is a private breast ultrasound?
It is a scan of the breast tissue and the lymph nodes in both armpits, using sound waves. It shows whether a lump is a fluid-filled cyst or solid, and it examines areas of pain or change. It is especially useful for dense breasts, younger women and pregnancy, because it uses no radiation and does not compress the breast.
Do I need a referral for a breast ultrasound?
No. You can book a private breast ultrasound directly, online or by phone, with no GP referral. Same-day and next-day appointments are often available, and you can ask us to send your report to your GP afterwards so your records stay complete. If you are using private medical insurance, bring your authorisation number.
My GP said I need a breast scan. Can I book privately?
Yes. You do not have to wait for the referral, which can feel like a long time when you are worried. Book directly and bring your GP’s letter or notes if you have them, because they help your radiology doctor understand why a scan was advised. We can send your report to your GP so your records stay complete. If anything needs further tests or treatment, we arrange it, and your care can continue with our consultant breast surgeons.
Why might I need a breast ultrasound?
Common reasons are a GP advising a scan, a lump or change in the breast or armpit, breast pain, a nipple or skin change, being under 40, having dense breasts, or wanting reassurance. Ultrasound shows clearly whether something is fluid or solid.
What does a breast ultrasound look for?
Cysts (fluid-filled sacs), fibroadenomas (benign, smooth solid lumps), and solid lumps that need a closer look, which are measured and assessed for their shape, edges and blood flow. Your radiology doctor also checks the lymph nodes in both armpits and, if you have implants, the implants and the tissue around them. Most findings turn out to be harmless, and anything that needs further tests is explained to you straight away.
Breast ultrasound or mammogram: which do I need?
It depends on your age, breast density and symptoms. Ultrasound is usually the first-choice scan under 40, and is very good at telling a cyst from a solid lump. A mammogram is better at showing some early changes, such as tiny calcium deposits, and is usually added for women over 40 or when ultrasound shows something that needs more detail. Your radiology doctor will advise on the day.
Is a breast ultrasound the right scan if I am under 40?
Usually, yes. Breast tissue is denser in younger women, which makes mammograms harder to read, so ultrasound is generally the first-choice scan. It uses no radiation, so it is a comfortable and safe way to look at the breast at any age. Routine NHS screening mammograms are not offered until 50, so if you are under 40 and want a check, a private ultrasound can give you peace of mind, and if you have a lump or symptom it is usually the scan doctors choose first. You do not need a symptom to book.
Is breast ultrasound good for dense breasts?
Yes. Dense breast tissue can hide changes on a mammogram, because both dense tissue and many abnormalities look white on the image. Ultrasound looks through dense tissue well, which is why it is often used alongside mammography, at any age, when breasts are dense. You cannot feel breast density, and it is usually found on a mammogram report, so if you have been told your breasts are dense, bring that report with you.
Can a breast ultrasound replace a mammogram?
No. At the ages mammograms are recommended, an ultrasound does not replace them. The two tests see different things: a mammogram is better at showing tiny calcium deposits, while ultrasound is better at telling a cyst from a solid lump and at looking through dense tissue. Used together they give a fuller picture, especially with dense breasts, so if you are of screening age please keep up with your NHS mammograms as well.
Can a breast ultrasound detect breast cancer?
Ultrasound can show areas of concern, including those that could be cancer, and it guides a biopsy when one is needed. A biopsy is what confirms a diagnosis. No scan is perfect, and your radiology doctor will explain what the result can and cannot tell you.
Can a breast ultrasound miss cancer?
No scan is perfect. Ultrasound is very good at examining a lump you can feel and at looking through dense tissue, but it can miss some changes that a mammogram shows, such as very small calcium deposits. That is why your radiology doctor may advise both.
Is a breast lump usually cancer?
No. Most breast lumps turn out to be harmless. Cysts, fibroadenomas and normal lumpy breast tissue are all common. But a lump cannot be judged by feel alone, so every new lump should be checked promptly. An ultrasound is usually the quickest way to find out what a lump is, and your results are explained as the scan happens.
Do I need to see a breast surgeon as well?
Not necessarily. You can book the scan directly. If your scan shows something that needs further tests or treatment, we arrange it, and your care can continue with our consultant breast surgeons. If you would like to see a surgeon as well, you can book a breast surgeon consultation or the private one-stop breast clinic.
Can I have a mammogram too?
A mammogram is not part of the breast ultrasound. If your radiology doctor advises one, it can often be arranged the same day at King Edward VII’s Hospital. It is not included in the £350. Whether you need one depends on your age, your breast density and what the ultrasound shows, and many women, especially under 40, do not. Your radiology doctor will explain why they are advising it and arrange it for you.
Can I have a biopsy on the same day?
Often, yes. If your radiology doctor advises a biopsy, an ultrasound-guided needle biopsy can often be done at Harley Street on the same day. A biopsy takes a small sample of tissue with a fine needle, guided by the ultrasound, usually with a local anaesthetic to numb the area. The sample goes to a laboratory, and your results are explained once they are back. Not every lump needs a biopsy: many cysts and clearly benign lumps do not. A biopsy is priced separately.
Can I have a breast ultrasound during pregnancy or breastfeeding?
Yes. Ultrasound uses sound waves, not radiation, so it is safe in pregnancy and while breastfeeding. Breast changes are common at this time, including lumps from blocked milk ducts, and ultrasound is the preferred scan because it needs no radiation and does not compress the breast. Please tell us when you book so we can allow the right time.
How long does a breast ultrasound take?
Allow 30 minutes for your appointment. That includes a short conversation about your symptoms and history, the scan of both breasts and both armpits, and time for your radiology doctor to explain the findings and answer your questions. If you need a biopsy on the same day, allow extra time.
How do I prepare for a breast ultrasound?
You do not need to prepare. Eat, drink and take your medication as normal, and deodorant does not affect an ultrasound. A two-piece outfit makes the scan simpler, and a gown is provided. If you have a GP letter or previous scan or mammogram reports, bring them, as they help us compare. If you are still having periods, breasts are often less tender in the week after a period, which some women find more comfortable, but please never delay a scan because of a symptom.
How much does a private breast ultrasound cost?
One fixed price of £350, which covers the scan of both breasts and both armpits, the explanation of your results, a written report and portal access. A mammogram or biopsy, if needed, is priced separately.
When will I receive my results?
Your radiology doctor explains what they see as the scan happens, so most people leave knowing what it has shown. Your written report and images are on your secure portal, usually the same day, ready to share with your GP.
What if you find something?
Your radiology doctor explains what has been found in plain language and agrees a plan with you. If further tests or treatment are needed, we arrange them and write to your GP. Your care can continue with our consultant breast surgeons if you wish.
Can men have a breast ultrasound?
Yes. Men can notice breast changes too, such as a lump or tender area behind the nipple, and are welcome to book. Ultrasound is often the first test, it is quick and painless, and your radiology doctor will explain what they see and what to do next.
Can I still use the NHS afterwards?
Yes. Coming to us privately does not affect your NHS care. If anything needs urgent attention, your radiology doctor writes to your GP recommending an urgent referral, so you re-enter the NHS pathway with your findings already in hand.
