Soft-tissue ultrasound • One defined area
Lump & Bump Ultrasound Scan
A focused, radiation-free ultrasound assessment of one superficial lump, bump or soft-tissue swelling, with evaluation of its size, depth, internal appearance, margins and blood flow.
- Self-referral available
- London & St Albans
- Clear written report
Quick answer
What does a lump ultrasound do?
It uses high-frequency sound waves to examine a palpable or visible soft-tissue lump. The scan helps characterise what can be seen and whether further review, follow-up imaging or tissue sampling may be appropriate.
- Price
- £219 for one defined area
- Referral
- Self-referral is normally available
- Preparation
- No fasting is usually needed
- Technology
- Real-time diagnostic ultrasound
Focused soft-tissue imaging
What the ultrasound assesses
The examination is tailored to the location and clinical concern. The practitioner documents the visible characteristics that help guide an appropriate next step.
Size and shape
Measurements in multiple planes, including the shape and visible borders of the lump or swelling.
Location and depth
Assessment of whether the finding is within the skin, subcutaneous tissues, muscle or another visible soft-tissue plane.
Internal composition
Whether the area appears fluid-filled, solid, fatty, complex or mixed on ultrasound.
Blood flow
Doppler assessment of internal or surrounding vascularity where clinically appropriate.
Surrounding tissues
Review for visible inflammation, oedema, collection or involvement of adjacent structures.
Imaging features
Documentation of features that may appear reassuring, indeterminate or in need of further investigation.
soft-tissue
imaging
When it may help
Common reasons to book
- A new or unexplained lump beneath the skin
- A lump that appears to be growing or changing
- A painful, tender or recurrent swelling
- A suspected cyst, lipoma, collection or haematoma
- A lump following injury, infection, injection or surgery
- Follow-up of a previously documented superficial finding
Depending on the appearance, the report may describe features compatible with:
Safety information
When not to wait for a routine scan
A private ultrasound appointment does not replace urgent medical assessment when symptoms are severe or rapidly changing.
Arrange prompt clinical assessment
Seek medical advice promptly for an unexplained lump that is increasing in size, feels hard or fixed, returns after treatment, or remains clinically concerning even if a previous scan was inconclusive.
Seek urgent help
Use an urgent care service for a rapidly enlarging, very painful, red or hot swelling, especially with fever or feeling unwell. Call emergency services for breathing difficulty, swallowing difficulty, collapse, severe bleeding or acute neurological symptoms.
Your appointment
What happens during the scan?
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1
Clinical discussion
Your practitioner confirms the exact area, when you first noticed it, whether it has changed, and any relevant injury, infection, surgery or previous imaging.
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2
Targeted ultrasound
Gel is applied to the skin and a handheld probe is moved over the area. You may be asked to point to the lump, change position or gently contract a nearby muscle.
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3
Doppler assessment
Blood-flow imaging may be used when clinically appropriate to assess vascularity within or around the finding.
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4
Report and next steps
The main observations may be explained at the appointment. A written report and relevant images are provided, with recommendations where further assessment is advisable.
Before you arrive
How to prepare
No fasting
You can normally eat, drink and take your usual medication unless your booking confirmation says otherwise.
Wear accessible clothing
Choose loose clothing that allows the practitioner to expose the exact area while preserving your privacy.
Identify the site
Be ready to point to the precise lump or swelling. A skin mark can help when the finding is small or intermittent.
Bring previous results
Bring relevant ultrasound, MRI, CT, pathology or specialist reports and a list of current medication where available.
Live online booking
Book your Lump & Bump Ultrasound
Select your preferred clinic and available appointment time. The service covers one defined superficial soft-tissue area.
Need help or more than one area? Call 020 7101 3377 before booking.
PrivateSono
Focused imaging with clear next-step advice
Choose a convenient appointment in Central London or St Albans for a respectful, clinically focused assessment of the area causing concern.
View appointmentsTargeted examination
The appointment focuses on the exact palpable or visible area of concern.
High-resolution ultrasound
Real-time soft-tissue imaging with Doppler when clinically appropriate.
Clear communication
Findings explained in accessible language with a written report.
Self-referral access
Private booking without a GP referral in most routine cases.
Clinic locations
Private lump ultrasound near you
Appointments are available at PrivateSono clinics in Central London and St Albans.
Good to know
Lump & bump ultrasound FAQs
Direct answers to common questions before booking.
Still unsure? Call 020 7101 3377What is a lump and bump ultrasound scan?
It is a non-invasive ultrasound examination of one defined superficial lump, bump or soft-tissue swelling. It assesses visible size, depth, internal appearance, margins, blood flow and relationship to surrounding tissues.
What can the scan show?
Ultrasound may show whether a finding is fluid-filled, solid or mixed and whether its appearance is compatible with a cyst, lipoma, collection, haematoma, lymph node or another soft-tissue finding. Some appearances remain indeterminate and need further assessment.
Can ultrasound tell whether a lump is cancer?
Ultrasound can identify imaging features that look reassuring, uncertain or concerning, but it cannot always determine exactly what a lump is. MRI, specialist review or biopsy may be required for a definitive diagnosis.
Do I need a GP referral?
A GP referral is not normally required for a private self-referred appointment. Please provide relevant symptoms, history and previous reports so the examination can be appropriately focused.
What does “one area” mean?
It means one defined lump or a closely related group of lumps within one anatomical region. Call the clinic before booking when you need several separate body areas assessed.
How should I prepare?
No fasting or full bladder is usually required. Wear clothing that gives easy access to the area and bring previous imaging or reports if available.
Is the scan painful or harmful?
External diagnostic ultrasound uses sound waves and no ionising radiation. Most people find it comfortable, although gentle pressure can be uncomfortable over an already tender or inflamed area.
Which lumps need prompt medical attention?
An unexplained lump that is increasing in size should be assessed promptly. Seek urgent clinical help for rapid enlargement, severe pain, redness, heat, fever, neurological symptoms, breathing difficulty or swallowing difficulty.
When will I receive my result?
The practitioner may discuss the main observations during the appointment. A written report and relevant images are provided according to the clinic’s reporting process.
How much does the scan cost?
The Lump & Bump Ultrasound Scan for one area is £219. Contact the clinic before booking if more than one separate area needs assessment.
Appointments in London & St Albans
Ready to arrange your lump ultrasound?
Choose a clinic, view live availability and book the one-area scan for £219.