A private breast ultrasound scan in London is a diagnostic scan that uses high-frequency sound waves to create detailed, real-time images of breast tissue. It is used to assess symptoms such as breast lumps, pain, nipple discharge, or other changes, and can be booked directly without a GP referral. At London Private Ultrasound, scans are performed by experienced sonographers using high-resolution imaging, with findings explained to you during your appointment so you leave with immediate clarity and reassurance.

A private breast ultrasound scan uses high-frequency sound waves to produce real-time images of the internal structures of the breast tissue. It can identify and characterise breast lumps, distinguishing between fluid-filled cysts (which are typically benign) and solid masses that may require further investigation. It also assesses the underarm lymph nodes (axilla) where clinically appropriate, evaluates areas of focal breast pain, examines nipple duct changes, checks for signs of infection or inflammation, and assesses breast implant integrity. At London Private Ultrasound, both breasts are scanned by qualified sonographers using advanced imaging equipment, with findings explained to you during your appointment.

A private breast ultrasound scan can identify findings that may indicate breast cancer, including solid masses with irregular edges, abnormal lymph nodes in the armpit, and unusual changes in breast tissue. However, ultrasound cannot definitively diagnose cancer — a tissue biopsy is always required to confirm any diagnosis. What ultrasound does very well is distinguish between fluid-filled cysts (which are almost always benign) and solid masses that need further investigation, helping to quickly triage findings and guide next steps. For women under 40, breast ultrasound is the recommended first-line imaging investigation, as younger women tend to have denser breast tissue where mammography is less effective. For women over 40, ultrasound works best alongside mammography rather than as a replacement for it.

The cost of a private breast ultrasound scan at London Private Ultrasound is £259. Our pricing is transparent with no hidden fees. Your appointment includes a full diagnostic assessment, immediate verbal feedback, and a detailed written report provided the same day. Choosing a private scan allows you to avoid long waiting times and access fast, expert evaluation when you need it most.

No. You do not need a GP referral to book a private breast ultrasound scand at London Private Ultrasound. You can self-refer and book directly online or by phone, often with same-day or next-day availability. If you have any previous breast imaging reports, letters, or scan results, bringing them to your appointment helps your sonographer make the most informed assessment. No referral is needed, but if your symptoms are urgent, such as a rapidly changing lump, bloody nipple discharge, skin dimpling, or new nipple inversion, you should also contact your GP so that an urgent NHS pathway can be arranged in parallel if needed.

Yes. At London Private Ultrasound, we offer same-day and next-day private breast ultrasound scan appointments, subject to availability. We understand that new breast symptoms can be worrying, and our goal is to provide fast access to expert assessment so you can get clear answers without unnecessary delay.

London Private Ultrasound offers conveniently located clinics in London and St. Alban’s, providing easy access to high-quality breast imaging. Our clinics are CQC-registered and designed to offer a calm, professional environment, with flexible appointments and minimal waiting times. You can book directly without a referral and be seen quickly by an experienced sonographer.

Private breast ultrasound scan and mammography are complementary tests that answer different clinical questions. Ultrasound uses sound waves (no radiation) and is the recommended first-line investigation for women under 40, for assessing a specific lump or symptom, and for evaluating dense breast tissue. It is particularly good at distinguishing cysts from solid masses. Mammography uses low-dose X-rays and is more effective at detecting microcalcifications, tiny calcium deposits that can be an early sign of some breast cancers, which ultrasound may not reliably show. For women over 40 with a breast symptom, both tests are often used together for the most complete picture. At London Private Ultrasound, if your sonographer believes mammography or MRI would add important information, they will explain this clearly and advise you on the most appropriate next step.

Private breast ultrasound scan is highly accurate for assessing breast lumps and distinguishing between fluid-filled cysts and solid masses. It is the first-line imaging investigation for women under 40 and is particularly effective in dense breast tissue, where mammography may be less sensitive. While it cannot definitively diagnose cancer on its own, it plays a crucial role in identifying findings that require further investigation and guiding appropriate next steps.

Yes. A private breast ultrasound scan is completely safe and does not use radiation. It uses high-frequency sound waves to create images of the breast tissue and has no known risks or side effects. This makes it suitable for patients of all ages, including younger women and those who are pregnant. At London Private Ultrasound, all scans are performed in a clinical environment by qualified sonographers, ensuring both safety and accuracy.

During a private breast ultrasound scan at London Private Ultrasound, you will be asked to undress from the waist up in a private room. You will lie comfortably on an examination couch while a small amount of water-based gel is applied to the skin. The sonographer then moves a handheld probe across the breast and surrounding areas to capture images. The scan is painless and typically takes 15–20 minutes. Your sonographer will explain the findings to you immediately after the examination.

No, a private breast ultrasound scan is not painful. The scan involves gentle pressure from a small handheld probe moved across the skin with a water-based gel. Most patients find it entirely comfortable. You may feel mild pressure if you have a particularly tender area, if so, let your sonographer know and they will adapt their technique to keep you as comfortable as possible. There are no needles, no injections, no compression (unlike a mammogram), and no radiation involved. The gel may feel slightly cool on initial contact but is suitable for sensitive skin and wipes away easily afterwards.

No special preparation is required for a private breast ultrasound scan. There is no fasting, no changes to diet, and no need to take time off your normal routine. For the most comfortable appointment, we recommend wearing a two-piece outfit that allows easy access to the chest area, as you will be asked to undress from the waist up in a private room. Avoid applying lotions, powders, or body creams to the breast area on the day of your scan, as these can interfere with the ultrasound gel and reduce image quality. If you have any previous breast imaging reports or letters, bringing them or emailing them in advance is helpful as it allows your sonographer to make comparisons and provide a more useful report.

A private breast ultrasound scan is appropriate for anyone experiencing breast symptoms such as a new lump, focal pain, nipple discharge, skin changes, or asymmetry. It is particularly recommended for women under 40, as well as for those with dense breast tissue or implants. Men with breast symptoms can also benefit from ultrasound assessment. If you are unsure whether you need a scan, our team at London Private Ultrasound can guide you based on your symptoms.

Yes. Private breast ultrasound scan is the recommended first-line imaging investigation for women under 40 with breast symptoms. Younger women naturally have denser breast tissue, which makes mammography significantly less reliable, ultrasound performs better in this group at identifying and characterising abnormalities. For women under 25 or those who are pregnant, ultrasound is also the safest option as it does not involve any radiation. If you are under 40 and have noticed a new lump, focal pain, nipple discharge, or any other breast change, a private breast ultrasound is a fast, safe, and appropriate first step to get clear answers without waiting.

Yes, private breast ultrasound scan is particularly valuable for women with dense breast tissue. Dense breasts contain more glandular and connective tissue relative to fatty tissue, which can reduce the sensitivity of mammography, as both dense tissue and some abnormalities appear white on a mammogram, making it harder to spot certain changes. Ultrasound, which uses sound waves rather than X-rays, is not affected in the same way by breast density and can identify abnormalities that mammography may miss, especially solid masses and cysts. Many women with dense breasts use ultrasound as a supplemental screening tool alongside their regular mammography. If you have been informed that your breasts are dense following a mammogram, a targeted breast ultrasound can provide additional reassurance or identify findings that need further attention.

Yes. A private breast ultrasound scan is an effective way to assess symptoms related to breast implants, including new lumps, focal pain, asymmetry, swelling, or changes in the feel of the implant. It can evaluate implant integrity and assess the surrounding breast tissue and lymph nodes. If a silent implant rupture is suspected, or if a more comprehensive assessment of implant integrity is needed, your sonographer may recommend additional imaging such as MRI, which provides more detailed views of the implant shell. If you have implants and are coming for a scan, it helps to note your implant type and the approximate date of surgery so your sonographer can tailor the assessment accordingly.

Yes, where clinically appropriate, a breast ultrasound at London Private Ultrasound includes assessment of the underarm area (axilla) and its lymph nodes. This is an important part of a complete breast assessment, as swollen or abnormal lymph nodes in the armpit can sometimes be associated with breast conditions, including infections, benign reactive changes, and in some cases, findings that warrant further investigation. If you have noticed a lump in your armpit, or if your sonographer identifies a reason to assess this area during the scan, it will be included in your examination and documented in your written report.

Nipple discharge that is spontaneous (occurring without squeezing), one-sided, persistent, or accompanied by other breast changes warrants imaging assessment. A breast ultrasound can help evaluate the breast ducts and surrounding tissue to identify any structural cause for the discharge, such as a duct ectasia, papilloma, or other change. Discharge that is clear, milky, or bilateral and only occurs when pressed is very common and often benign, but any discharge that is bloody, dark, or one-sided should be assessed promptly. At London Private Ultrasound, your sonographer will take a focused history about the nature and pattern of your discharge before performing the scan, ensuring the assessment is targeted appropriately.

Breast pain (mastalgia) is very common and is often benign and hormonal in nature. However, a private breast ultrasound scan can be helpful when pain is localised to a specific area (rather than general or diffuse), is persistent rather than cyclical, is accompanied by a palpable change or lump, or is one-sided and new. For cyclical pain that varies with your menstrual cycle and affects both breasts evenly, ultrasound may not always identify a structural cause, and your sonographer will discuss this with you. For focal, persistent, or one-sided pain, imaging provides useful information and can give significant peace of mind. If you are unsure whether your symptoms warrant a scan, contact the clinic and we can help you decide.

Yes, a private breast ultrasound scan is the safest and most effective way to investigate breast changes during pregnancy or while breastfeeding. Because ultrasound uses sound waves rather than ionising radiation (unlike mammograms or CT scans), there is no risk to the developing baby or your milk supply. Breast tissue undergoes significant structural changes during lactation, becoming more “active” and dense, which can make physical self-examination confusing. Ultrasound is excellent at distinguishing between common pregnancy-related issues, such as blocked milk ducts, mastitis, or pregnancy-associated cysts (galactoceles), and other findings that may require medical intervention. If you are breastfeeding, we recommend feeding or expressing shortly before your appointment to ensure the breast tissue is as soft as possible for the clearest imaging.

Yes. London Private Ultrasound welcomes men and gender-diverse patients for breast ultrasound appointments. While breast cancer is far less common in men, it does occur, and conditions such as gynaecomastia (benign breast tissue enlargement), breast cysts, lipomas, and other focal changes can affect men and benefit from imaging assessment. If you are a man who has noticed a lump, tenderness, nipple discharge, or any asymmetrical change in the chest area, a breast ultrasound is an appropriate and straightforward way to investigate these symptoms. Your appointment will be conducted with the same professionalism, privacy, and clinical care as any other patient.

If your sonographer identifies something that needs further assessment, they will explain the finding to you clearly and in plain language during your appointment, you will not leave without understanding what was seen. Depending on the nature of the finding, the recommended next step may include a repeat scan after a short interval to monitor a benign-appearing change, correlation with mammography, referral to a specialist breast clinic for further assessment, or if indicated, a biopsy arranged through an NHS or private breast pathway. Biopsies are not performed as part of the ultrasound appointment itself. Your written report, emailed the same day, will document the findings and recommendations so you have clear documentation to share with your GP or specialist to ensure efficient onward care.

We accept various payment methods, including major credit cards, cash and Klarna. For insurance payment we can provide you with an invoice/receipt so you can claim the money back from your insurance provider.