Armpit (Axilla) Ultrasound, Cardiff & South Wales
Self-refer. Consultant-led. Immediate results explained at your appointment.
armpit ultrasound
What's included
- ✓Consultant Radiologist scan, results explained immediately
- ✓Written report within 24-48 hours
- ✓Digital scan images
- ✓Onward referral if needed
- ✓No GP referral required
The axilla
Detailed scan of the armpit, primarily to assess lymph nodes and exclude worrying causes.
Lymph nodes
Number, size, shape, internal architecture.
Lymph node patterns
Reactive vs suspicious features.
Cysts
Sebaceous, epidermoid cysts. Want one removed?
Lipomas
Common benign fatty lumps.
Hidradenitis
Sweat gland inflammation.
Vascular structures
Axillary artery/vein patency.
Pectoral muscles
Tears or masses.
Breast tissue (tail)
Axillary tail of breast, referred to a breast clinic if abnormal.
Reasons to book an armpit scan
What we can identify
Most armpit lumps are reactive lymph nodes (response to infection) or benign cysts. Ultrasound rapidly distinguishes these from worrying features.
Reactive lymph nodes
Most common: soft, oval, normal hilum. Nodes in the neck as well? Those are covered by our neck scan.
Suspicious lymph nodes
Rounded, lost hilum, abnormal vessels, which need further work-up.
Sebaceous & epidermoid cysts
Classic appearance. If you want it dealt with, we also offer cyst and lipoma removal at our Penarth clinic.
Hidradenitis suppurativa
Multiple cyst-like collections in skin.
Lipoma
Soft, fatty lump.
Accessory breast tissue
Common, benign, can swell with periods.
If we suspect a breast-related cause, urgent referral to a specialist breast clinic. We do not scan breast tissue directly, and a private GP consultation can arrange that referral the same week.
Preparation
How to prepare
No deodorant or talc on the day: aluminium particles affect ultrasound conduction.
A same-sex chaperone is always available if you'd prefer one in the room.
Your appointment, step by step
Arrive
Free parking at Penarth. 5-minute walk from Penarth railway station.
Meet your consultant
Brief chat about your symptoms, when you noticed the lump and any recent infections or vaccinations. Ask any questions.
The scan (20-30 mins)
You lie back with your arm raised behind your head to open up the armpit. Warm gel is applied and the consultant explains findings as they scan. A chaperone can be present if you'd like one.
Immediate results
Your consultant explains the findings as they scan and again at the end, so you leave knowing what's going on. Written report follows within 24-48 hours.
Had been waiting ages on the NHS to get a scan… so when I saw this service available on the high street I was surprised. Scan was organised for the same week, totally worth it. Actually got a diagnosis for once. Dr Junaid was very thorough and explained everything.
Transparent, all-inclusive
One simple price for a single-area scan. Combine with other scans in the same appointment for better value.
Armpit (Axilla) Ultrasound
- ✓One side £260, both sides £360
- ✓Immediate results explained & written report in 24-48 hrs
- ✓Same-week appointment
- ✓No GP referral required
2 area scan
- ✓Two body areas in one appointment
- ✓e.g. armpit plus neck or another lump
- ✓Save £160 vs two separate scans
- ✓Same-week appointment
3 area scan
- ✓Three body areas in one appointment
- ✓Add which areas in your booking notes
- ✓Save £381 vs three separate scans
- ✓Same-week appointment
Booking a two or three-area scan? Please add which areas you'd like scanned in your booking notes. Not all practitioners scan every area, so our reception may call to confirm and make sure the right consultant is on for your appointment.
All prices include consultation, scan, written report, digital images and any onward referral if required.
Our Penarth clinic
Patients travel to us from Cardiff, Newport, Bridgend, Barry, Caerphilly, Swansea and the Vale.
Common questions about armpit (axilla) ultrasound
How much does a private armpit ultrasound cost?
£260 for one side, £360 for both.
My lymph nodes are big, is it cancer?
Most lymph node enlargement is reactive (infection, recent vaccination, eczema). Ultrasound looks at the SHAPE and structure to distinguish reactive from suspicious.
What if a lymph node looks suspicious?
We arrange urgent onward referral, usually for biopsy. Don't delay if a node has been there over 4-6 weeks.
How long does the scan take?
About 20-30 minutes.
Do I need a referral?
No, you can self-refer.
How quickly can I be seen?
Most appointments within 48-72 hours.
What if my lump is somewhere else on the body?
We scan lumps almost anywhere. For a lump in the neck, book the neck scan; for a thyroid concern, book the thyroid scan. For an unexplained lump anywhere else (not breast), our general lump & bump scan is the one you want. Both are £260, and if you're unsure which fits, call us on 029 2199 9300 before booking.
Can you remove a cyst or lipoma once you've scanned it?
Yes. If the scan shows a benign cyst or lipoma and you'd like it gone, we offer lump and cyst removal under local anaesthetic at our Penarth clinic. You'll need a pre-op consultation with the surgeon first, which we can arrange after your scan.
What if my lump turns out to be in the breast?
We do not scan breast tissue at Acorn Private Clinic. If we suspect the lump is breast-related, you'll need a specialist breast clinic, we can advise, and our private GP service can make that referral quickly.
Is ultrasound safe?
Yes, no radiation.
Will I get a written report?
Yes, immediate verbal results plus a written report in 24-48 hours.
Can the scan diagnose hidradenitis?
Yes. Ultrasound shows the deep cysts and tracts typical of hidradenitis suppurativa, which is often missed clinically.
Health insurance covers this?
Most UK insurers cover diagnostic axillary ultrasound when clinically indicated.
Where do I go?
Acorn Private Clinic at Penarth (CF64 2AD).
Get the answers you need.
Self-refer for a private armpit (axilla) ultrasound. Consultant-led, same-week, with immediate results explained at your appointment and a written report within 24-48 hours. £260 all-inclusive.