Breast tissue
A detailed look at lumps, cysts and areas of change.
BREAST & ARMPIT · TISSUE STIFFNESS
Breast & axilla
ultrasound + SWE.
Structure and stiffness.
A private breast and armpit (axilla) ultrasound with Shear Wave Elastography — one or both sides — to look at a lump or change and measure how stiff the tissue is.
Central London · Banstead, Surrey
Breast tissue, measured.YOUR BREAST SCANAbout 20–30 min
£395Two sides · one side £315
Choose your clinic and view appointment options in our online booking system.
Explore your appointmentPATIENT EXPERIENCES
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01 / UNDERSTANDING YOUR SCANMore than a picture.
More than a picture.
How the tissue behaves.
Ultrasound shows the structure of the breast. Shear Wave Elastography adds a measurement of tissue stiffness — stiffer areas can need a closer look, softer areas are usually benign.
Armpit (axilla)
Lymph nodes under the arm checked on the same side.
Shear Wave Elastography
Stiffness measured in each area of concern.
Dense breasts
Especially helpful where dense tissue limits a mammogram.
IN DETAIL
Breast & Axillary Ultrasound + Shearwave Elastography
Breast Shear Wave Elastography (SWE) is a cutting-edge ultrasound technique that evaluates the stiffness of breast tissue. Unlike traditional ultrasound, which focuses on structure, SWE provides quantitative data on tissue elasticity, helping distinguish between benign and malignant lesions with greater confidence—particularly useful for women with dense breast tissue.
3D Breast & Axillary Ultrasound + Shearwave Elastography
How It Works
Shear waves are generated within the breast tissue using focused ultrasound pulses. These waves travel through the tissue, and their speed—correlated with tissue stiffness—is measured and transformed into a color-coded elastogram. Malignant tissues typically appear stiffer and transmit waves faster than benign ones.
Same-Day Appointments & Results
No GP Referral Needed
Flexible Payment Options
Key Benefits
- Improved Diagnostic Accuracy: Accurately distinguishes between benign and malignant lesions, reducing unnecessary biopsies.
- Quantitative Results: Unlike strain elastography, SWE provides measurable data for objective evaluation.
- Enhanced Detection in Dense Breasts: Particularly beneficial for women whose dense breast tissue limits the effectiveness of mammograms.
- Non-Invasive & Radiation-Free: Painless, safe, and ideal for repeat monitoring over time.
Clinical Applications
- Characterising Breast Lesions: Supports decision-making regarding biopsy or further imaging.
- Treatment Monitoring: Tracks tumor response during chemotherapy or other therapies.
- Complementary to Mammography: Enhances clarity when mammograms or sonograms show inconclusive findings.
Price
One-Side Breast & Axilla Scan: £295
Two-Side Breast & Axilla Scan: £365
Includes:
- Verbal explanation of findings
- Detailed written report & images
- Optional onward referral to a specialist if needed
Preparing For Scan: Tips And Guidelines
Please check what preparation is needed before your ultrasound scan below:
| All Pelvic scans Kidney and Urinary tract Prostate & Urinary Tract Appendicitis Early Pregnancy Scan | Drink One Liter of still water (2 Pints) One hour before your scan. Do NOT use the toilet so you would arrive with a full bladder. Medication can be taken as normal. |
| Liver scans Upper Abdomen Liver Elastography | Do NOT eat for 6 hours prior to scan time. |
| Combination of above scans | Same as respective scan’s preparation. |
Why Choose Us?
- Experienced Consultant Sonographers
- Advanced Diagnostic Ultrasound Equipment
- Fast Appointments & Same-Day Reports
- Discreet, Friendly Environment
- Convenient Central London & Surrey Locations
To secure your appointment, please ensure the following:
02 / YOUR VISIT, SIMPLIFIEDKnow what to expect.
Know what to expect.
Feel more prepared.
From getting ready to discussing what comes next, here is a simple guide to your appointment.
A question before you book? Call usTell us your history
Where the lump or change is, how long it has been there, and any previous scans or mammograms.
Understand the scan
You lie on your back with your arm above your head. Gel is applied and the probe is moved over the breast and armpit, then stiffness readings are taken. It is painless and takes about 30 minutes.
Talk about the next steps
The sonographer talks you through what they have seen, and your written report follows within 24 hours — ready to share with your GP or specialist.
03 / FIND YOUR PHOENIXTwo locations.
Two locations.
One thoughtful choice.
Choose the location that works for you. Confirm your selected clinic in the booking system before completing your appointment.
CITY / LONDON
Central London
Medical Room, 1–5 Portpool LaneLondon, EC1N 7UU
SURREY / BANSTEAD
Banstead
63 Nork WayBanstead, SM7 1HL
04 / A FEW THINGS YOU MAY BE WONDERINGYour questions.
Your questions.
Clear answers.
Need something more personal?
Speak to the team before booking.
Do I need a GP referral?
No. You can book directly. If your GP or specialist has asked for this scan, bring their letter so the sonographer knows what to focus on.
One side or both?
Choose one side (£315) or both sides (£395) in the booking form.
Is a female sonographer or chaperone available?
Yes. Ask when you book and we will do our best to arrange a female sonographer. A chaperone is always available.
When should I see my GP straight away?
A new breast lump, nipple discharge (especially with blood), skin dimpling or a change in the shape of the breast should be checked by your GP, who can refer you to a breast clinic.
Read NHS guidance ↗What is Breast Shear Wave Elastography (SWE)?
Breast Shear Wave Elastography is a state-of-the-art ultrasound technology that measures the stiffness of breast tissues. It uses sound waves to create and detect shear waves within the breast, providing quantitative data on tissue stiffness, which helps differentiate between benign and malignant lesions.
How does Breast SWE differ from traditional breast ultrasound?
While traditional breast ultrasound focuses on the visual appearance of lesions, SWE provides additional quantitative data on tissue stiffness. This information is crucial because malignant tumors tend to be stiffer than benign ones, making SWE an invaluable tool in breast cancer detection and diagnosis.
Is Breast SWE painful?
No, Breast SWE is a painless procedure. It is performed as part of a standard ultrasound examination, with no additional discomfort beyond what might be experienced during a regular ultrasound.
Who should consider having a Breast SWE?
Breast SWE is particularly beneficial for individuals with palpable breast masses, ambiguous mammographic/traditional sonographic findings, or dense breast tissue. It is also useful for monitoring known lesions over time or evaluating the effectiveness of treatment in breast cancer patients.
How long does a Breast SWE procedure take?
The procedure typically takes only a few minutes longer than a conventional breast ultrasound. The entire process, including preparation, usually lasts less than 20 minutes.
Can Breast SWE replace a biopsy?
While Breast SWE can significantly enhance the accuracy of breast lesion characterization, it does not replace the need for a biopsy in all cases. Biopsy remains the definitive method for diagnosing breast cancer. However, SWE can help reduce unnecessary biopsies by better distinguishing between benign and malignant lesions or inversely can draw the attention of the clinician to the breast lesion when the tissue is stiffer while the traditional ultrasound features look benign.
How accurate is Breast SWE?
Breast SWE has shown high accuracy in differentiating between benign and malignant breast lesions, especially when combined with conventional ultrasound findings. However, its accuracy can vary based on the operator’s experience and the specific characteristics of the lesion being examined.
Are there any risks associated with Breast SWE?
Breast SWE is a safe and non-invasive procedure with no known risks. It does not involve radiation exposure, making it safe for repeated use and for all patient populations, including pregnant women.
How do I book and confirm the price?
Use the booking form on this page and follow its Next buttons. Choose your scan option and appointment time, enter the requested details, then review the price before completing the booking.
WHEN YOU’RE READYYour appointment.
Your appointment.
Right here.
Book your breast ultrasound with elastography below. Follow the booking form’s Next buttons to continue, one step at a time.
BREAST & AXILLA + SHEARWAVENeed a hand? 020 3318 1373
- 01Your appointmentReview scan options, location and available times.
- 02Your detailsComplete the information requested in the form.
- 03Review & completeCheck the price and follow the final booking steps.
PHOENIX ULTRASOUND
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Call the teamBEFORE YOU ARRIVE
Preparation, made clear.
- No special preparation is needed — eat, drink and take your usual medication as normal.
- Wear a two-piece outfit so you only need to undress to the waist.
- Avoid deodorant, talc or creams on the chest and armpits on the day.
- Bring any previous scans, reports or doctor’s letters so the sonographer can compare and focus on what matters.
Booking this alongside another scan? Each scan keeps its own preparation. If anything is unclear, call us on 020 3318 1373 before your visit.
If you feel unwell, seek medical advice. This page is general information, not a diagnosis. For urgent concerns, contact your GP or NHS 111; in an emergency call 999.
Further reading: NHS guidance on breast lumps · NHS guidance on ultrasound scans