Why might my child need an armpit ultrasound?
Most often for a lump or swelling under the arm that a parent or doctor has noticed, a swollen gland that has not gone down after an illness, a tender or red area, or a lump that seems to be growing. A scan tells you quickly what the lump is.
Should I be worried about my child’s armpit lump?
Usually not. Most armpit lumps in children are reactive lymph nodes, swollen because the body is fighting an infection in the arm, hand or chest. See your GP promptly or book a scan if a lump:
- Is larger than about 2cm, or is getting bigger
- Is hard, fixed or painless and has lasted more than four to six weeks
- Comes with night sweats, weight loss, fevers or tiredness
What causes a lump in a child’s armpit?
The most common causes are:
- Reactive lymph nodes after a cold, a cut, an insect bite or eczema on the arm
- Cat scratch disease, after a scratch from a kitten or cat
- A reaction to a vaccination, such as BCG, in babies
- A skin cyst, boil or abscess
- Rarely, a lymphatic malformation or something that needs further tests
What does the scan check for?
A child armpit ultrasound examines:
- The lymph nodes: size, shape and their fatty centre
- Blood flow in any node or lump
- Whether a lump is solid, fluid or a collection such as an abscess
- The surrounding soft tissue and skin
What might the scan find?
Most often, normal or reactive lymph nodes, which keep their oval shape and fatty centre and settle over a few weeks. Other findings include a cyst, an abscess that may need draining, or a node with features that need follow-up or blood tests. Your specialist explains exactly what was seen.
How does an armpit ultrasound work?
Your child lies back with their arm raised while a small probe with warm gel moves gently over the armpit. The specialist watches the screen, measures any nodes or lump and explains what they see. It takes ten to twenty minutes and uses no radiation.
How long do swollen glands last in children?
Reactive lymph nodes usually shrink over two to six weeks once the infection that caused them has settled, though they can remain slightly enlarged for longer. A node that keeps growing, is very large or has not settled after six weeks should be checked.
When is follow-up advised?
If a node looks reactive but is still a little large, a review scan after four to six weeks usually shows it shrinking. Follow-up or blood tests are advised if a node has unusual features, keeps growing, or your child has other symptoms such as fevers or weight loss.
Can a lump in a child’s armpit be serious?
Rarely. Serious causes such as lymphoma are uncommon in children, and the great majority of armpit lumps are benign. The scan is the quickest way to tell a reassuring reactive node from one that needs more tests, and red-flag features always lead to a prompt referral.
Is a child armpit ultrasound safe for my child?
Yes. Ultrasound uses sound waves, not radiation, and needs no needles or sedation. It is the recommended first test for many childhood lumps and joint problems precisely because it is so gentle, and it can be repeated safely whenever follow-up is needed.
How long does a child armpit ultrasound take?
The scan itself usually takes ten to twenty minutes. Allow around half an hour for the appointment, so there is time to settle your child and talk through the results.
How should I prepare my child for the scan?
No special preparation is needed: your child can eat and drink as normal. Explain simply that the scan uses a little cold jelly and a camera that does not hurt, dress them in clothes that are easy to lift or roll up, and bring a favourite toy or tablet if it helps.
When will we get the results?
You will know the findings before you leave, because the specialist explains them during the appointment. The written report is usually on your secure patient portal the same day, ready to share with your GP or paediatrician.
How much does a private child armpit ultrasound cost?
At Harley Street Ultrasound a private child armpit ultrasound costs £350, all fees inclusive: the scan, the specialist’s time and your written report. Same-day or next-day appointments are usually available, with the results explained before you leave.
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 a child 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 a child 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 child armpit ultrasound costs, the answer is published before you book: £350, all fees inclusive: 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 child 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. Your child can feed, eat, play and go back to nursery or school straight away. Ultrasound uses sound waves, not radiation, so it can be repeated safely whenever follow-up is needed. If the results suggest a next step, your specialist explains it to you 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.
