Diagnostic lymph node ultrasound • London & St Albans
Private lymph node ultrasound scan
A focused, radiation-free ultrasound and colour Doppler assessment of lymph nodes in one superficial area, such as the neck, armpit or groin. The scan evaluates whether visible nodes have benign/reactive, indeterminate or suspicious features and provides clear recommendations when further investigation is needed.
- No GP referral required
- One lymph node area
- High-resolution Doppler assessment
- Written report and images
Clear clinical overview
What is a lymph node ultrasound?
A lymph node ultrasound uses high-frequency sound waves to create real-time images of superficial lymph nodes and the surrounding soft tissues. A high-resolution probe is placed over the area of concern, and colour Doppler may be used to examine vascular patterns.
The examination can document the node’s size, short-axis measurement, shape, cortex, echogenic fatty hilum, margins, internal echotexture and vascularity. These features help the practitioner describe a node as having a benign/reactive, indeterminate or suspicious appearance.
Ultrasound can assess an enlarged or palpable lymph node and identify features that may require monitoring or biopsy. It cannot confirm cancer: only laboratory analysis of sampled cells or tissue can provide a definitive diagnosis.
- Price£219 for one area
- DurationUsually 15–25 minutes
- PreparationNo fasting normally needed
- ReferralSelf-referral accepted
One-area assessment
Which lymph node areas can be scanned?
The appointment is designed for one clinically defined superficial region. Tell the clinic where the lump or swelling is located when booking.
Neck and cervical nodes
Targeted assessment of cervical lymph-node chains, including a palpable neck lump and relevant submandibular or supraclavicular regions where clinically appropriate.
Axilla or armpit
Assessment of axillary nodes for a palpable lump, post-infection or post-vaccination enlargement, or targeted evaluation within a breast-related clinical pathway.
Groin or inguinal nodes
Assessment of superficial inguinal lymph nodes related to a groin lump, local inflammation, skin or lower-limb symptoms, or a clinically requested follow-up.
Supraclavicular region
Focused assessment above the collarbone when a node or lump is palpable or has been identified during a clinical examination or previous imaging.
Other superficial node groups
Selected superficial regions, such as epitrochlear nodes near the elbow or popliteal nodes behind the knee, may be assessed when clinically appropriate.
Surrounding soft tissues
The practitioner also reviews accessible surrounding tissues for an alternative cause of the lump, such as a cyst, local inflammation, oedema or fluid collection.
High-resolution assessment
What does the scan evaluate?
No single ultrasound feature determines the diagnosis. The practitioner interprets the combined appearance of the node, the surrounding tissues and your clinical history.
Size and short axis
Measurements document the node and support comparison with previous or future imaging. Size is interpreted alongside morphology rather than in isolation.
Shape and margins
The practitioner records whether a node is oval or rounded and whether its outline appears smooth, lobulated, ill-defined or irregular.
Cortex and fatty hilum
Cortical thickness, uniformity and preservation of the central echogenic hilum are assessed because changes can influence the level of concern.
Internal echotexture
The scan checks for homogeneous or heterogeneous tissue, echogenic foci, cystic change, necrosis or other visible internal features.
Colour Doppler vascularity
Blood flow may be assessed for a central/hilar, mixed or peripheral pattern, interpreted with the node’s other sonographic characteristics.
Surrounding tissues
Accessible nearby tissues are reviewed for inflammation, oedema, abscess, fluid collection or another superficial soft-tissue lesion.
Common indications
Why might you book this scan?
The scan is suitable for a focused assessment of a palpable or previously identified superficial lymph node. It does not replace urgent medical assessment when you are acutely unwell.
- A new or persistent lump in the neck, armpit or groin
- Swollen or tender glands after an infection
- A node that has persisted, enlarged or changed over time
- Follow-up after vaccination when a node remains enlarged
- Targeted nodal assessment requested by a GP or specialist
- Monitoring in a breast, thyroid, skin or head-and-neck pathway
- Suspected local inflammation, infected node or abscess
- Comparison with previous imaging or post-treatment surveillance
Before your appointment
How to prepare for a lymph node ultrasound
No fasting required
You can normally eat, drink and take your usual medication as normal unless you have received different instructions for another booked examination.
Allow access to the area
Wear loose clothing that allows the neck, armpit or groin region to be accessed while maintaining your comfort and dignity.
Avoid heavy skin products
Where possible, avoid heavy moisturiser over the target area and deodorant in the axilla on the day, as gel needs direct skin contact.
Bring relevant information
Bring previous ultrasound, CT, MRI or PET reports and images, clinic letters, blood-test results and details of recent infection or vaccination.
Your appointment
What happens during the scan?
The examination is non-invasive and does not use needles or ionising radiation.
- 1
Clinical discussion
The practitioner confirms the location of the lump or swelling, your symptoms, relevant medical history, recent infection or vaccination, previous cancer history and any prior imaging.
- 2
Targeted ultrasound
You will be positioned comfortably, gel is applied to the skin, and a high-frequency probe is moved across the one selected anatomical area.
- 3
Morphology and Doppler assessment
Visible nodes are measured and assessed for shape, cortex, hilum, margins, internal appearance and vascular pattern. Relevant surrounding soft tissues are also reviewed.
- 4
Explanation and report
The practitioner can normally discuss the main observations after the scan. A written report with relevant images is prepared for you and your GP or specialist.
Interpreting the findings
Results, limitations and possible next steps
The report describes what is visible and places the findings in clinical context. It does not make a tissue diagnosis.
What your report may describe
The report may describe the node or nodes as having benign/reactive appearances, indeterminate features or suspicious morphology.
- Number, location and measurements of visible nodes
- Cortical appearance and fatty hilum
- Shape, margins, echotexture and Doppler vascularity
- Relevant surrounding soft-tissue findings
- Comparison with previous imaging when available
What may be recommended
Recommendations depend on the ultrasound appearance, duration of symptoms, clinical history and any previous investigations.
- Clinical follow-up or observation
- Repeat ultrasound after an appropriate interval
- Targeted blood tests or GP assessment
- Specialist referral or cross-sectional imaging
- Fine-needle aspiration (FNA) or core needle biopsy
Online booking
Book a lymph node ultrasound
Select an available appointment for a focused lymph node ultrasound of one superficial area.
- No GP referral required
- London and St Albans clinics
- Written report with images
Need help?
Call 020 7101 3377
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Why choose PrivateSono?
Focused imaging with clear clinical communication
Your examination is performed in a regulated clinical setting using high-resolution diagnostic ultrasound, with findings communicated in a clear report for your ongoing care.
Check appointmentsExperienced practitioners
Targeted assessment by ultrasound professionals working within their clinical scope and registration.
High-resolution imaging
Detailed B-mode ultrasound and colour Doppler assessment of superficial lymph-node morphology.
Clinician-ready reporting
Structured findings, relevant images and practical recommendations for your GP or specialist.
Flexible appointments
Appointments may be available seven days a week, including same-day slots subject to availability.
Clinic locations
Private lymph node ultrasound near you
Choose Central London or St Albans when booking. Availability varies by date and practitioner.
Central London
27 Welbeck Street
London W1G 8EN
Near the Harley Street and Marylebone medical district.
St Albans
54–56 Victoria Street
St Albans AL1 3HZ
Convenient for Hertfordshire and North London patients.
Questions answered
Lymph node ultrasound FAQs
These answers provide general information. Your practitioner will interpret the scan in relation to your history and symptoms.
What is a lymph node ultrasound scan?
A lymph node ultrasound uses high-frequency sound waves to examine superficial lymph nodes and surrounding soft tissues. Colour Doppler may also be used to assess blood-flow patterns. The scan is non-invasive and does not use ionising radiation.
Which area is included in the £219 price?
The £219 service covers one superficial anatomical area, such as the neck, one armpit or one groin region. Please contact the clinic before booking when more than one separate area needs assessment.
What does a normal lymph node look like on ultrasound?
A typical benign lymph node is often oval, with a thin uniform cortex and a preserved central echogenic fatty hilum. Colour Doppler flow is commonly central or hilar. Normal appearances vary by anatomical site and clinical context.
What features can appear suspicious?
Potentially concerning features can include a rounded shape, focal or diffuse cortical thickening, loss or displacement of the fatty hilum, irregular margins, abnormal peripheral vascularity, necrosis, calcification or matted nodes. No single feature proves malignancy.
Can ultrasound tell whether a lymph node is cancerous?
Ultrasound can identify features that appear benign/reactive, indeterminate or suspicious, but it cannot confirm or exclude cancer by itself. Fine-needle aspiration or core biopsy may be needed for cytology or histology.
How should I prepare for the scan?
No fasting is normally required. Wear clothing that allows access to the target area, avoid heavy moisturiser over the skin being scanned, and bring relevant referral letters, reports or previous images when available.
How long does the appointment take?
A one-area scan commonly takes about 15 to 25 minutes. The appointment may take longer when the findings are complex, comparison imaging is required or additional targeted views are clinically necessary.
Do I need a GP referral?
No. PrivateSono accepts self-referrals. Bring an existing GP or consultant letter when you have one, because accurate clinical information helps the practitioner tailor the examination and recommendations.
When will I receive the results?
The practitioner can usually explain the main observations after the examination. A clinician-ready written report with relevant images is normally provided on the same day.
What happens if a suspicious node is found?
The report will explain the ultrasound appearance and recommend an appropriate next step. This may include GP or specialist review, blood tests, interval imaging, fine-needle aspiration or core needle biopsy.
Book your one-area lymph node ultrasound
Private appointments in Central London and St Albans. Self-referral accepted.