Private Breast Ultrasound
Detailed, radiation-free breast imaging reported by a consultant radiologist. Particularly useful for dense breast tissue, investigating specific areas of concern, and distinguishing solid masses from cysts.
Enquire Today
Contact our team to discuss your requirements and get a tailored solution.
Contact Us
See what a mammogram sometimes can't
Mammography is the gold standard for routine breast screening, and it should remain the backbone of any screening plan. But it has a limitation: dense breast tissue. On a mammogram, dense tissue and potential abnormalities can both appear white, making small changes harder to spot.
Breast ultrasound works differently. It uses high-frequency sound waves rather than X-rays, producing real-time images that can see through dense tissue, distinguish solid lumps from fluid-filled cysts, and investigate a specific area your doctor or mammogram has flagged.
For many women, the most complete picture comes from mammography and ultrasound together.
What is a breast ultrasound?
A breast ultrasound is a non-invasive, radiation-free imaging scan that uses high-frequency sound waves to produce detailed images of breast tissue, helping to identify cysts, solid masses, and other abnormalities that may not be visible on mammography alone. It is reported by a consultant radiologist and results are typically available within 24-48 hours.
When breast ultrasound is the right choice
Dense breast tissue: Breast density varies between women and changes with age, hormonal status, and body composition. If you've been told you have dense breasts (BI-RADS density category C or D), ultrasound is a valuable addition to mammography because it can detect cancers that dense tissue may obscure on a mammogram.
Investigating a specific finding: If your mammogram has flagged an area that needs further assessment, ultrasound is often the next step. It can clarify whether a finding is a simple cyst (usually harmless), a solid mass (needs further evaluation), or normal tissue variation.
You've found a lump or change: Ultrasound is particularly good at assessing palpable lumps. It shows the size, shape, and internal structure of a mass in real time, helping your doctor determine whether it needs biopsy or monitoring.
Younger women: Women under 40 tend to have denser breast tissue, which makes mammography less sensitive. Ultrasound is often the preferred first-line imaging for breast concerns in younger women.
Pregnancy or breastfeeding: Ultrasound involves no radiation, making it safe during pregnancy and breastfeeding when mammography is best avoided.
High-risk screening: If you're at elevated risk of breast cancer (strong family history, known gene carrier), adding ultrasound to your annual mammogram improves detection rates.
What happens at your appointment
Booking
Book online or walk in. No referral required, though we welcome referral letters if you have one. Ultrasound appointments are available Monday to Friday. Your scan is carried out at a specialist partner imaging centre near our Harley Street clinic. Location details are provided when you book.
The Scan
You'll lie on an examination couch and the sonographer applies a small amount of gel to the breast. A handheld probe is moved across the skin to capture images. There's no compression, no radiation, and no pain. The scan takes approximately 20-30 minutes for both breasts.
Consultant Review
Your images are reviewed by an experienced consultant radiologist with breast imaging expertise.
Results
Results within 24-48 hours. A detailed written report is sent to you and, if applicable, to your referring doctor. If anything needs further investigation, we contact you directly and arrange next steps.
Mammogram vs Breast Ultrasound
| Feature | Mammogram | Breast Ultrasound |
|---|---|---|
| How it works | Low-dose X-ray | High-frequency sound waves |
| Radiation | Yes (very low dose) | None |
| Best for | Routine screening, calcifications, overall survey | Dense tissue, specific lumps, cyst vs solid |
| Limitations | Less effective in dense tissue | Less effective for calcifications |
| Discomfort | Brief breast compression | None |
| Price at our clinic | £245 | £450 |
For many women, the answer is not one or the other but both. Mammography provides the broad screening view; ultrasound adds detail where density or a specific concern limits what mammography can show.
Other breast imaging services
Mammogram (bilateral)
Gold-standard screening for breast cancer. Two-view X-ray of both breasts. Recommended as the foundation of any breast screening plan.
View Details →Breast MRI (bilateral)
The most detailed breast imaging available. Recommended for very high-risk women, BRCA carriers, and further assessment of complex findings.
View Details →Common Questions
Q.How much does a private breast ultrasound cost in the UK?
A bilateral breast ultrasound (both breasts) at Medical Express Clinic is £450. This includes the scan and a consultant radiologist report, with results returned within 24-48 hours.
Q.Do I need a referral?
No. You can self-refer and book directly. If you have a referral from your GP, consultant, or mammographer, bring it along and we'll share your results with them.
Q.Does a breast ultrasound replace a mammogram?
Not usually. Ultrasound and mammography detect different things. Mammography is better at spotting calcifications and providing an overall breast survey. Ultrasound is better at investigating specific areas and seeing through dense tissue. For comprehensive screening, many women benefit from both.
Q.Is breast ultrasound painful?
No. There's no compression and no radiation. The probe is moved gently across the skin with gel. Most women find it completely comfortable.
Q.I have dense breasts. Should I have an ultrasound as well as a mammogram?
If you've been told you have dense breast tissue (BI-RADS density C or D), adding ultrasound to your mammogram can detect cancers that mammography alone may miss. Discuss this with your doctor or book a consultation with us and we can advise on the right combination for you.
Q.Can I have a breast ultrasound during pregnancy?
Yes. Ultrasound uses no radiation and is considered safe during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
Q.What happens if something is found?
Your consultant radiologist will detail the finding in your report. If further investigation is needed, we arrange it directly: additional imaging (mammogram or MRI), biopsy referral, or referral to a breast specialist. You won't be left navigating the next step on your own.
