1
Size and shape
Measures the node and checks whether its shape is typical for a benign or reactive lymph node.
Private ultrasound scan · Lymph node assessment · London & St Albans
Lymph Node Ultrasound Scan one-area private scan for enlarged lymph nodes, swelling or lumps
A focused private lymph node ultrasound scan to assess the size, shape, appearance and vascular pattern of lymph nodes in one area such as the neck, armpit, groin or abdomen.
£219 one-area scan
No GP referral required
Report + images included
15–20 min typical scan time
One-area scanNeck, axilla, groin, abdomen or area of concern.
Non-invasiveUltrasound uses sound waves, not radiation.
Quick accessSame-day or next-day appointments where available.
Report includedWritten report with relevant images.
London & St AlbansWelbeck Street and Victoria Street clinics.
Quick answer
What is a lymph node ultrasound scan?
A lymph node ultrasound is a safe, non-invasive imaging test used to examine lymph nodes beneath the skin. It helps assess whether a lymph node is enlarged, reactive, inflamed, cystic, suspicious, or simply different from the surrounding tissue. It is commonly requested for lumps or swelling in the neck, armpit, groin or abdomen.
Four assessment pillars
What the scan looks for
The scan is focused on the area of concern and assesses features that help guide whether reassurance, monitoring, blood tests, GP review or specialist referral may be appropriate.
2
Internal structure
Assesses the internal architecture, fatty hilum and ultrasound appearance of the lymph node.
3
Blood flow pattern
Uses Doppler where appropriate to assess vascular pattern and related features.
4
Surrounding tissue
Checks the nearby soft tissues for fluid, cysts, inflammation or other superficial lumps.
One-area lymph node scan
Common areas we scan
The one-area scan focuses on the specific region that is swollen, painful, palpable or clinically concerning. Multiple areas or wider lymph node packages may be advised if symptoms are more generalised.
Neck lymph nodesCervical, submandibular and supraclavicular regions where clinically indicated.
Axilla / armpitUseful for axillary swelling, breast-related concerns or palpable armpit lumps.
Groin lymph nodesInguinal lymph node assessment for swelling, tenderness or persistent lumps.
Abdominal areaSelected superficial or accessible abdominal-region lymph node assessment.
Follow-up nodeMonitoring a previously reported enlarged or reactive lymph node.
Lump and bump checkHelps distinguish lymph nodes from cysts, lipomas or other superficial lumps.
When to consider this scan
Reasons people book a lymph node ultrasound
This scan is most useful when there is a specific palpable or visible area of concern.
Enlarged lymph node
For a lymph node that feels enlarged, persistent or different from the other side.
- Neck swelling
- Armpit swelling
- Groin lump
Pain or tenderness
For a painful or tender lymph node, especially when symptoms are persistent or unexplained.
- Painful node
- Inflammation concern
- Follow-up after infection
Lump assessment
For a lump where you are not sure whether it is a lymph node, cyst, lipoma or another soft-tissue finding.
- Superficial lump
- Soft-tissue swelling
- Unclear clinical finding
Your pathway
What happens during the appointment?
The scan is quick and comfortable. You remain awake throughout, and the sonographer explains the process before starting.
Step 1Arrive
Clinical history and area confirmation
The clinician confirms the area of concern, your symptoms, previous results and any relevant medical history.
Step 2Scan
Focused ultrasound assessment
Gel is applied to the skin and the ultrasound probe is moved gently over the area. You may feel light pressure, but the scan should be painless.
Step 3Report
Verbal findings and written report
Verbal findings are usually discussed after the scan. A written digital report with relevant images is normally provided after review or within 24 hours.
What is included
Private lymph node scan package
A focused one-area scan for a clearly defined lymph node or lump concern.
Ultrasound assessment
Focused scan of the selected lymph node region.
- Size measurement
- Shape and structure
- Doppler where appropriate
Report with images
Digital written report including clinically relevant ultrasound images.
- Findings summary
- Relevant images
- Recommendations where appropriate
Next-step guidance
Advice on whether GP review, blood tests, monitoring or specialist referral may be appropriate.
- FBC, ESR or CRP may be suggested in selected cases
- Follow-up options
- Upgrade options available
Preparation
How to prepare
No special preparation is usually needed for a lymph node ultrasound. You can normally eat, drink and take your usual medication unless you have been told otherwise.
- Remove jewellery around the area being scanned where possible
- Wear clothing that allows easy access to the area of concern
- Bring previous scan reports or blood-test results if available
- Tell the clinician about recent infection, dental problems, skin infection or previous cancer history
Clinical note
Do I need blood tests?
Some patients may benefit from blood tests such as a full blood count, ESR or CRP, depending on symptoms and ultrasound findings. This is not always required, but it may be recommended if the clinical picture suggests inflammation, infection or a wider health issue.
- Blood tests are not automatically included in the £219 scan price
- They can be arranged separately where appropriate
- Our GP clinic can help interpret results and plan next steps
Pricing
Transparent scan and upgrade options
Start with the one-area scan or upgrade if you need a wider lymph-node or whole-body assessment.
Most booked
Lymph Node Ultrasound Scan
£219Focused one-area lymph node ultrasound scan with report and images.
- One area of concern
- Neck, axilla, groin or selected region
- Written report with images
Upgrade option
Lymph Node Health Check
£450For patients who need a wider lymph node assessment pathway.
- Broader lymph-node review
- Useful when more than one area is concerning
- Ask the team before booking
Advanced option
Advanced Lymph Node Health Check
£850For patients needing a more comprehensive assessment and next-step planning.
- Wider pathway
- May include additional clinical review
- Suitable for complex concerns
Clinical team
Specialist ultrasound team and medical governance
Your scan is performed by experienced ultrasound clinicians within a regulated private diagnostic pathway.
Mr Pedram Aghaei
Ultrasound Consultant
Supports diagnostic ultrasound standards, reporting quality and patient information pathways.
Mrs Hosna Rashidi
Ultrasound Consultant
Supports patient-centred ultrasound assessment and private diagnostic reporting.
Dr Babak Soleimanpour
Medical Director · GP
Provides medical governance and GP-led support for follow-up and onward planning.
Important clinical scope
A lymph node ultrasound can describe ultrasound features and help guide next steps, but it does not replace clinical examination, blood tests, biopsy or specialist review where these are required. If you have rapidly worsening swelling, severe pain, high fever, unexplained weight loss, night sweats, breathing difficulty or symptoms that feel urgent, seek urgent medical advice.
FAQ
Lymph node ultrasound scan — common questions
Which part of my body can I have scanned?
Lymph nodes are found in many parts of the body. Common one-area scans include the neck, axilla or armpit, groin and selected abdominal or superficial areas. If more than one area is concerning, a wider lymph node health check may be more appropriate.
Why might I need a lymph node ultrasound?
It may be useful if you have a palpable lymph node, persistent swelling, pain, a lump in the neck, armpit or groin, or a previous finding that needs follow-up.
What can the scan show?
The scan can assess size, shape, internal structure, vascularity and surrounding soft tissues. It can help distinguish lymph nodes from some other superficial lumps and may guide whether follow-up, blood tests or referral are needed.
Is the scan painful?
No. The scan is usually painless. You may feel light pressure from the ultrasound probe as the clinician moves it over the area.
Do I need preparation?
No special preparation is usually required. Jewellery near the scan area may need to be removed. You can normally eat, drink and take your usual medications unless advised otherwise.
How long does it take?
The scan itself is usually quick and commonly takes around 15–20 minutes, depending on the area and the number of lymph nodes being assessed.
When will I get the report?
Verbal findings are usually discussed after the scan. A written report with relevant images is normally sent after review or within 24 hours.
How much does it cost?
The one-area private lymph node ultrasound scan is £219.
Can this scan diagnose cancer?
Ultrasound can identify features that may look reactive, benign, indeterminate or suspicious, but cancer diagnosis may require clinical review, blood tests, specialist assessment or biopsy. The report will advise next steps where appropriate.
Can I book without a GP referral?
Yes. You can book directly online or by calling London Private Ultrasound.
Book your scan
Book your private lymph node ultrasound scan
Choose a focused one-area lymph node scan for enlarged lymph nodes, swelling, pain or a lump in the neck, armpit, groin or abdomen.