Is breast ultrasound better than mammography?

Ultrasound and mammography are complementary investigations. Ultrasound is preferred for women under 40, those with dense breast tissue, and pregnant or breastfeeding women. Mammography is generally preferred for women over 40 as a screening tool. Your sonographer will advise on whether additional imaging is recommended.

Can ultrasound detect breast cancer?

Breast ultrasound can identify suspicious lesions that require further investigation, but it cannot definitively diagnose cancer. Any suspicious finding will be reported with a recommendation for further assessment, which may include biopsy.

No. Breast ultrasound is a gentle, non-invasive procedure. You may feel slight pressure from the probe, but it should not be painful.

Do I need a GP referral?

No referral is needed. You can book directly. However, if you have been referred by your GP, please bring the referral letter.

What is the difference between single and bilateral?

A single breast scan examines one breast at £235. A bilateral scan examines both breasts in the same appointment at £350, which is recommended for a complete assessment.

How long does the scan take?

A single breast scan takes approximately 20 minutes. A bilateral scan takes 30–40 minutes. Please allow extra time for the consultation and report.

HCPC Registered— All sonographers

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Same-Day Available— Mon – Sat

Written Report— Within 24 hours

HCPC Registered

CQC Compliant

Same-Day Available

Written Report

Women's Health

Breast Ultrasound Scan

A non-invasive, radiation-free assessment of breast tissue to evaluate lumps, cysts, and other changes, recommended for all ages and particularly for women under 40.

20–30 minutes

Same-day appointments

Marylebone, London W1

HCPC RegisteredCQC CompliantSame-Day AvailableWritten Report IncludedWomen's Health Expert

£235

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HCPC-registered sonographers

Written report within 24 hours

Same-day appointments available

CQC-compliant clinic

Understanding Your Situation

Understanding a Change in Your Breast

Noticing a change in your breast — a lump, tenderness, or unusual discharge — can be frightening. The vast majority of breast changes are benign, but getting a prompt, expert assessment is the right thing to do. Breast ultrasound provides clear, radiation-free imaging that helps characterise exactly what is present, giving you and your doctor the information needed to make confident decisions about your care. Our private clinic in Marylebone, Central London, is available for same-day bookings — no referral required.

Clinical Overview

What is a Breast Ultrasound Scan?

Breast ultrasound uses high-frequency sound waves to create detailed images of breast tissue. Unlike mammography, it uses no radiation and is particularly effective at distinguishing solid masses from fluid-filled cysts. It is the first-line imaging investigation for women under 40, pregnant women, and those with dense breast tissue. NICE guidelines recommend ultrasound as the primary imaging modality for breast symptoms in women under 40 years of age.

Is This Scan Right for You?

Who Should Book This Scan?

Women who have noticed a new lump or change in breast tissue

Those experiencing breast pain, tenderness, or nipple discharge

Women under 40 years old with breast symptoms (ultrasound is preferred over mammography)

Those with dense breast tissue where mammography has limited sensitivity

Pregnant or breastfeeding women with breast concerns

Anyone seeking a second opinion or reassurance about a previous finding

Diagnostic Scope

What This Scan Can Detect

Breast Cysts

Simple and complex cysts are clearly identified and characterised by their fluid content and wall characteristics.

Solid Masses

Fibroadenomas, lipomas, and other solid lesions are assessed for their size, shape, margins, and internal echogenicity.

Lymph Node Assessment

Axillary (armpit) lymph nodes are evaluated for size and morphology as part of a comprehensive breast assessment.

Vascular Assessment

Doppler imaging assesses blood flow within lesions, which can help differentiate benign from suspicious findings.

Implant Integrity

Assessment of breast implants for signs of rupture, folding, or peri-implant fluid collections.

Your Appointment

What Happens During Your Scan

Arrival and history

Your sonographer will take a brief clinical history, noting the location and nature of any symptoms.

Positioning

You will lie on the examination couch with your arm raised. Warm gel is applied to the breast and axilla.

Systematic examination

The sonographer systematically examines all quadrants of both breasts and the axillary regions.

Targeted assessment

Any areas of concern are examined in detail with additional Doppler imaging if required.

Report and images

A written report with representative images is provided before you leave, with all findings explained clearly.

Before Your Appointment

How to Prepare for Your Scan

1
No special preparation is required for a breast ultrasound
2
Wear a two-piece outfit for easy access to the breast area
3
Avoid applying deodorant, powder, or lotion to the breast or underarm area on the day
4
Bring any previous breast imaging reports or referral letters if you have them
5
Allow 30–45 minutes for your appointment

After Your Scan

Understanding Your Breast Ultrasound Results

Your sonographer will explain all findings during the scan. The written report uses standardised BI-RADS (Breast Imaging Reporting and Data System) categories to communicate the level of concern and recommended management. Most findings are benign (BI-RADS 2 or 3). Any findings requiring further investigation will be clearly explained with recommended next steps.

Why Private?