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Private Breast, Armpit (Axilla), and Lymph Node Ultrasound in London & St Albans

At London Private Ultrasound, we provide comprehensive breast ultrasound scans, armpit (axillary) ultrasound scans, and lymph node scans using the latest high-resolution ultrasound technology. Whether you are investigating a breast lump, monitoring lymph nodes, checking for implant complications, or undergoing a routine health assessment, our private ultrasound services in London and St Albans deliver fast, accurate, and safe results with same-day reports.

Our clinics are staffed by GMC-registered doctors and HCPC-accredited sonographers, with established referral pathways to breast surgeons, oncologists, and radiologists across London’s leading hospitals. With a focus on early detection, routine monitoring, and patient reassurance, we aim to make advanced breast and lymph node care accessible without the delays often experienced in NHS pathways.

Why Choose a Private Breast or Axilla Ultrasound in London?

• Same-day appointments available at 27 Welbeck Street, Harley Street, London W1G 8EN
• Immediate verbal explanation and a detailed same-day written report
• Scans performed by specialist doctors with experience in breast and oncology imaging
• No GP referral required – book directly online or by phone
• Competitive and transparent breast ultrasound cost in London
• Onward referrals to breast surgeons and cancer specialists if abnormalities are detected
• Specialist packages available for breast implant ultrasound checks and routine screening

What Conditions Can Breast and Armpit Ultrasound Detect?

Benign Breast Conditions

• Fibroadenomas – smooth, mobile, non-cancerous lumps often seen in younger women
• Breast cysts – fluid-filled sacs that may fluctuate with menstrual cycle
• Lipomas – fatty lumps within the breast tissue
• Mastitis and abscesses – painful inflammation or infection of breast tissue
• Gynecomastia in men – benign enlargement of male breast tissue

Malignant Conditions (Breast Cancer)

• Invasive ductal carcinoma – the most common type of breast cancer
• Invasive lobular carcinoma – often subtle, may present with thickening rather than a lump
• Inflammatory breast cancer – aggressive, presents with redness and swelling
• Ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) – early-stage, sometimes detected only on mammogram
• Paget’s disease of the nipple – rare cancer presenting with nipple eczema-like changes

Lymph Node Abnormalities

• Reactive lymph nodes – enlarged due to infection or inflammation
• Lymphoma – primary cancer of the lymphatic system
• Metastatic spread – secondary cancer spread from breast, lung, or thyroid
• Tuberculosis or sarcoidosis – granulomatous disease affecting lymph nodes

Breast Implant Complications

• Implant rupture – silicone or saline leakage
• Capsular contracture – scar tissue tightening around the implant
• Seroma or peri-implant fluid
• Breast Implant-Associated Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma (BIA-ALCL) – rare but serious condition

Breast Implant Ultrasound Checks

Women with breast implants are advised to undergo regular implant checks to ensure the implants remain intact and there are no complications. While implants are designed to last many years, issues such as rupture, silicone leakage, capsular contracture, or fluid build-up may occur. Ultrasound is the first-line imaging test to assess implants, though in some cases MRI may be recommended for definitive assessment.

Signs of Implant Complications

• Change in breast size, shape, or symmetry
• Pain, discomfort, or tightness in the breast
• Unexplained swelling, especially around the armpit
• Hardening of the implant or capsular contracture
• Skin redness, thickening, or persistent rash

Our private breast implant ultrasound London service offers reassurance for women who wish to monitor their breast implants routinely, investigate symptoms, or check for complications after cosmetic surgery.

Routine Breast Health Checks

Routine breast ultrasound checks play a vital role in early detection and reassurance. Unlike NHS screening which typically starts at age 50 with mammograms, our private breast screening services are available for women of all ages, especially those with:

• Family history of breast or ovarian cancer
• Genetic mutations such as BRCA1 or BRCA2
• Previous breast disease or surgery
• Dense breast tissue where mammograms may be less effective
• Breast implants

Recommended Frequency of Routine Checks

• Under 40: Breast ultrasound every 1–2 years if risk factors are present
• 40–50: Annual screening with a combination of mammogram and ultrasound
• Over 50: Mammogram every 2 years, ultrasound as needed for dense breasts
• Implant patients: Ultrasound or MRI every 2–3 years

Breast Cancer and Ultrasound

Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women worldwide. Early detection dramatically improves survival rates. Ultrasound is particularly useful in:

• Investigating new breast lumps
• Assessing dense breast tissue where mammograms may miss abnormalities
• Guiding biopsies for tissue diagnosis
• Evaluating lymph nodes for cancer spread

Stages of Breast Cancer

Staging helps determine treatment options and prognosis:

• Stage 0: DCIS – abnormal cells in ducts, non-invasive
• Stage I: Small tumour, no spread beyond breast
• Stage II: Tumour may involve axillary lymph nodes
• Stage III: Locally advanced, involving skin or chest wall
• Stage IV: Metastatic spread to lungs, liver, bones, or brain

Multidisciplinary Care Pathway

If an abnormality is detected, patients are referred to a breast care team including radiologists, breast surgeons, oncologists, and pathologists. This ensures individualised treatment which may involve surgery, radiotherapy, chemotherapy, hormone therapy, or targeted biological treatments.

Breast Ultrasound vs Mammogram vs MRI

• Breast ultrasound: Best for younger women, dense tissue, lumps, cysts, implants
• Mammogram: Best for detecting microcalcifications and screening women over 40
• MRI: High sensitivity, used for high-risk women or implant complications

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Book Your Private Breast, Armpit, or Lymph Node Ultrasound

Early detection saves lives. Whether you require a breast implant ultrasound check, a routine breast screening scan, or a lymph node ultrasound London, our clinics are here to support you. We provide compassionate, expert care with same-day reports.

Call us today on 0208 357 0957 or use our secure online booking system. Same-day appointments available at our Harley Street clinic, 27 Welbeck Street, W1G 8EN, and our St Albans branch.