Why might my child need a soft tissue lump ultrasound?
For any lump or bump under the skin that you or a doctor would like explained: on the head, face, neck, arm, leg or body. Ultrasound shows what the lump is made of, which usually tells us what it is.
Should I be worried about my child’s lump?
Most lumps in children are harmless. Get a lump checked promptly if it:
- Is growing quickly, or is larger than about 5cm
- Feels hard, fixed or deep
- Is painful, especially at night
- Comes back after being removed
Serious causes are rare, and the scan is the quickest way to know.
What are the most common lumps in children?
The most common are:
- Dermoid cysts, often near the eyebrow or on the scalp
- Epidermoid (skin) cysts
- Lymph nodes reacting to an infection
- Pilomatrixomas: small, hard lumps on the face, neck or arms
- Lipomas and haemangiomas
What is the lump on my child’s head?
Lumps on a child’s head are most often dermoid cysts, which are present from birth, typically near the outer eyebrow or on the scalp, or a bump from a knock. Dermoid cysts are benign but are usually removed by a surgeon, so a scan is useful to show their size and depth beforehand.
When should I worry about a bump on my child’s head?
A bump after a knock usually settles within a week or two. Go to A&E after a head injury if your child is drowsy, vomits repeatedly, is confused, has a seizure, or a baby under one has a large swelling.
A lump on the head that appeared without injury, is slowly growing, or has been there since birth is often a dermoid cyst and can be checked with a scan.
What is a dermoid cyst?
A dermoid cyst is a harmless lump that forms before birth when skin tissue is trapped under the surface. It is usually firm, painless and slowly growing, often near the eyebrow. Ultrasound shows its size and depth, and surgical removal is often recommended because it tends to grow slowly.
What can the scan tell me about my child’s lump?
Whether the lump is solid or fluid-filled, its size and depth, which layer of tissue it sits in, and how much blood flows through it. Together these features usually identify the lump and show whether it needs any follow-up.
When is a biopsy or follow-up advised?
Most lumps need no follow-up, or a single review scan. A biopsy or MRI is advised only if a lump has unusual features, is growing, or its type is not clear from the scan; your specialist explains why and arranges it.
Is a child soft tissue lump 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 soft tissue lump 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 soft tissue lump ultrasound cost?
At Harley Street Ultrasound a private child soft tissue lump 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 soft tissue 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 soft tissue 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 soft tissue 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 soft tissue 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.
