Private Child Breast Ultrasound

Your child might need a Child Breast Ultrasound if you or your GP have noticed a lump or swelling, one breast that looks larger than the other (asymmetry), the start of early breast development (thelarche), or any tenderness, pain or change around the nipple. In boys and teenage boys, a firm disc of tissue under the nipple (gynaecomastia) is also commonly checked with ultrasound.

It is completely natural to feel worried when you find a lump in your child. Please be reassured: at this age, breast lumps and changes are almost always harmless, usually normal developing tissue or a benign lump such as a fibroadenoma. An ultrasound is simply the quickest, gentlest way to confirm exactly what it is, so you and your child can stop worrying.

A child breast ultrasound takes a close, gentle look at the breast and the area around it. Depending on why your child is being seen, the sonographer will assess:

• A breast lump or swelling, its size, shape and nature.
• Breast asymmetry, where one side has developed more than the other.
• Early breast development (thelarche) in younger girls.
• Breast tissue or a firm lump under the nipple in boys (gynaecomastia).
• Any tenderness, pain or change near the nipple.
• Whether a lump looks like normal developing tissue or a benign lump such as a fibroadenoma.

In the great majority of cases the scan provides simple, reassuring answers, confirming normal development or a harmless lump that needs nothing more than a check.

Yes. Ultrasound is the imaging method of choice for young breast tissue. Children and teenagers do not have mammograms, as mammography is not used for young breasts. Ultrasound gives a clear, detailed picture of developing breast tissue without any of the downsides of X-ray imaging.

Just as importantly, ultrasound uses no radiation at all. It is painless, involves no needles and no injections, and is completely safe to repeat if your specialist ever wants repeat checks.

A child breast ultrasound uses safe, pain-free sound waves, with no radiation, no needles, no injection and no mammography.

The sonographer applies a small amount of warm, clear gel to the skin and gently moves a smooth, hand-held probe over the breast area. Pictures appear on a screen in real time, and the scan usually takes only a few minutes. There is nothing beyond the light pressure of the probe and the cool gel, which quickly warms up.

Because ultrasound carries no health risks, your child can feel comfortable and relaxed throughout, and you can stay right beside them the whole time.

Your child’s comfort and privacy come first. A parent or guardian stays in the room for the whole appointment, and a chaperone is always available. The scan is carried out in a private room, and your child only needs to uncover the area being examined, a gown or privacy sheet is provided.

The appointment is gentle and unhurried:

• The sonographer explains everything in simple, friendly language so your child knows exactly what will happen.
• Warm gel is applied and a small probe is moved gently over the breast area. It does not hurt.
• Your child can ask to pause or stop at any time, and you are encouraged to ask questions throughout.

The sonographer will talk you through what they can see as they go, so by the end of the appointment you will already have a clear, reassuring picture of the findings.

There is almost nothing to do to prepare for a child breast ultrasound. There is no need to fast, drink water or fill the bladder, and your child can eat and take any regular medication completely as normal.

It helps to dress your child in comfortable, loose-fitting clothing that is easy to adjust, such as a top that is simple to lift or remove. You are welcome to bring a favourite toy, book or device to help a younger child feel relaxed.

Most importantly, you can reassure your child that the scan is quick, gentle and completely painless, and that you will be with them the entire time.

A child breast ultrasound is extremely safe and completely pain-free. It uses no radiation, no needles and no injections, so there are no side effects before, during or after the scan, and your child can return to normal activities straight away.

You also shouldn’t have to wait around for important answers about your health. That’s why, at Harley Street Ultrasound, we are dedicated to fast, same-day results.

Your specialist senior sonographer will talk you through what they can see during the scan itself, so you leave the room with an understanding of your baby’s hip findings. Your full medical report with tailored advice and any recommended next steps will be ready the same day, along with high-resolution digital images of the scan.

You can view and share both the report and the images securely from any internet-connected device, including your phone, and forward them directly to your GP, health visitor or a paediatric specialist.

In almost every case, no. Breast lumps in children and teenagers are almost always benign. They are not cancerous, and breast cancer is extremely rare at this age. Most lumps turn out to be normal developing breast tissue or a harmless lump such as a fibroadenoma.

It is completely understandable to feel anxious when you discover a lump in your child, and seeking a scan is exactly the right thing to do. The purpose of the ultrasound is almost always to confirm good news and put your mind at rest.

On the very rare occasion that something needs a closer look, ultrasound is the best first step to identify it early, and your specialist will guide you calmly and clearly through any next steps.

The great majority of scans show completely reassuring findings. The most common are:

• Normal developing breast tissue: in girls, a firm, sometimes tender disc under the nipple is often simply the normal start of breast development (thelarche), which can begin on one side before the other and cause temporary asymmetry.
• Fibroadenoma: a smooth, mobile, benign lump that is the most common breast lump in teenage girls. It is harmless and often just monitored.
• Gynaecomastia: in boys, especially during puberty, a small firm area of breast tissue under the nipple is very common, usually harmless and frequently settles on its own.

Your sonographer will explain in plain language exactly what they have found, so you leave understanding what the lump is and why there is no need to worry.

Usually not. When the scan confirms normal developing tissue or a clearly benign lump, which is the case the vast majority of the time, most children need no follow-up at all.

Sometimes your specialist may suggest a simple repeat scan in a few months to confirm that a fibroadenoma is stable, for example, or that an area of development is settling as expected. This is routine, precautionary monitoring rather than a sign of concern.

Only very rarely is anything more needed. If so, your specialist will explain exactly why and what happens next, calmly and without alarm, and can write to your GP to arrange any onward care.

A Private Child Breast Ultrasound at the Harley Street Ultrasound Group is £350, all fees inclusive.

What’s included in the price:

• One-to-one appointment with a Specialist Senior Sonographer experienced with younger patients
• Gentle, child-friendly breast ultrasound with a parent present throughout
• Detailed written medical report with tailored advice
• Same-day high-resolution digital images delivered to your secure portal
• No referral required and no waiting list, most patients are seen within 24 to 48 hours

We accept self-pay and most major UK private health insurers. If you have insurance, please contact your provider before booking to confirm your policy covers a private child pelvic ultrasound, and our team is happy to provide any details they need.

Many parents worry that coming to us privately will somehow affect their baby’s NHS care. That simply is not the case.

Our goal is to give you answers as quickly as possible and get your baby on the right path fast. When you come to us, your child is seen by a qualified specialist who can investigate their symptoms the same day. If your child needs further care, our specialist will write to your NHS GP advising them, and your report and images can be shared securely with any NHS paediatric team.

We don’t want you waiting weeks for answers. Your child’s health and your peace of mind is priceless.