Why might my child need a breast ultrasound?
Most often for a lump behind the nipple, swelling on one or both sides, a tender area, breasts developing at different rates, or development that seems early. In boys, breast swelling around puberty is a very common reason. A scan explains what the lump is.
Are breast lumps in children and teenagers dangerous?
Almost never. Breast lumps in children and teenagers are overwhelmingly benign: normal developing breast buds, pubertal breast swelling in boys, cysts and, in teenage girls, fibroadenomas. Breast cancer at this age is extremely rare. The scan gives you a definite answer and peace of mind.
What is a breast bud?
A breast bud is the first stage of breast development: a small, firm, sometimes tender lump directly behind the nipple. In girls it usually appears between eight and thirteen, often on one side first. It is completely normal and should never be removed, because that would stop the breast developing.
Is it normal for a 9 or 10 year old to have a lump in her breast?
Yes, very often. A firm, sometimes tender lump directly behind one nipple in a girl of eight to thirteen is usually a breast bud, the normal start of breast development, and the other side often follows within months. A lump that is not behind the nipple, is growing quickly or is red and hot should be checked.
Is breast swelling in boys normal?
Yes. Around half of boys develop some breast swelling during puberty, called pubertal gynaecomastia. It is caused by normal hormone changes, can be tender and one-sided, and usually settles within one to two years. A scan confirms it is normal breast tissue rather than anything else.
What if breast development seems early?
Breast development before eight in girls, or breast and other puberty changes before nine in boys, can be a sign of early puberty. The scan shows whether the swelling is breast tissue, and your specialist may suggest a paediatrician or paediatric endocrinologist to check hormone levels.
Why is my newborn baby’s breast swollen?
Many newborn babies, boys and girls, have swollen breasts and sometimes a little milky discharge in the first weeks, caused by their mother’s hormones. It settles by itself. See your GP if the area becomes red, hot or your baby has a fever, as it can occasionally become infected.
Is a breast ultrasound the right test for my child?
Yes. Ultrasound is the imaging method of choice for young breast tissue: it shows lumps clearly, uses no radiation and does not compress the breast. Mammograms are not used for children and teenagers.
What does the scan check for?
A child breast ultrasound examines:
- Breast bud tissue and its normal appearance
- Any lump: whether it is solid, fluid or a collection
- Fibroadenomas and cysts in teenage girls
- Signs of infection or abscess
- The lymph nodes in the armpit
Will my child need any follow-up?
Usually not. A normal breast bud or pubertal gynaecomastia needs no follow-up. A fibroadenoma in a teenager is usually reviewed with a repeat scan to check it is stable. If anything needs further tests, your specialist explains why and arranges it.
Is a child breast 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 breast 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 breast ultrasound cost?
At Harley Street Ultrasound a private child breast 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 breast 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 breast 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 breast 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 breast 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.
