Test / Diagnostic Procedure: Breast Ultrasound

A breast ultrasound scan is a painless and non-invasive imaging test that uses high-frequency sound waves to create detailed pictures of the inside of the breast. This scan helps in assessing various aspects of breast health, providing valuable information about the breast tissue.

Breast ultrasound scans are used for various purposes, including screening, diagnosis, and monitoring and the results can lead to onward referrals to specialities such as oncology, dermatology and endocrinology.

While mammograms are the gold standard of breast imaging, breast ultrasounds can be used in conjunction with a mammogram to provide additional information about what’s happening in the breast tissue and gain a more accurate understanding of any potential issues.

While breast ultrasound scans can be used on women of any age, they can be especially useful in identifying problems in the breast tissue of women under 40 who are experiencing discomfort around the breast or armpit, or a family history of breast cancer. This is because the breast tissue is more dense in younger age, and an ultrasound can provide a clearer picture than a mammogram may be able to.

Men who have breast lumps can also benefit from breast ultrasounds

You may need to have a breast ultrasound if:

• If you have dense breast tissue

• A mammogram has shown a lump in your breast

• You can feel a lump in your breast but it hasn't shown up on a mammogram

• It’s unclear if the breast lump is solid or if it contains fluid (is a cyst)

• A biopsy of a lump is needed

If you’ve noticed any changes in your breast(s), or any of the symptoms of breast cancer, self-referral to OneWelbeck for a breast ultrasound is encouraged. This proactive approach allows for early detection and treatment, as well as peace of mind.

At OneWelbeck, breast ultrasound scans are performed by a specialist consultant breast radiologist.

You’ll be asked to undress from the waist up and lie on the examination bed and the Radiologist will ask you about your concerns, which you may indicate to the Consultant.

A warmed gel will then be spread over the skin of your breast. The gel helps the ultrasound probe glide over your skin easily to create better contact with the tissue and helps to give clear pictures on the screen.

Your Radiologist will then move a handheld scanning probe over your breast applying a little pressure, and images of the underlying tissue will appear live on a screen. They might also scan the area under your arm to check your lymph nodes. During your scan, the Radiologist may ask you to move your arm up and down or move into a different position so that they are certain to scan all of the necessary areas.

From start to finish, a breast ultrasound scan takes around 10 to 15 minutes.

At OneWelbeck, you’ll receive the results of your ultrasound scan on the same day.

If a biopsy was done, it may take a few days for these results to be available as the sample is sent to the laboratories. Once your results are ready, you will be contacted to arrange a follow-up appointment.

Self-referral and same-day results: If you are under 40 and have concerns, you can self-refer for a breast ultrasound, and the process offers the convenience of same-day results, providing prompt peace of mind.

Coverage by insurers: The breast ultrasound service is covered by insurers, ensuring accessibility and affordability for patients seeking comprehensive breast health assessments.

Onward referrals: Beyond breast health, ultrasound results may lead to onward referrals to specialists in oncology, dermatology and endocrinology, ensuring a holistic approach to your healthcare needs.

Same-day appointments: The service offers same-day appointments, facilitating quick and efficient access to breast ultrasound screenings.

London location with great transport links: Our London location boasts excellent transport links, making it convenient for those seeking high-quality breast health services from all over the country.