Breast ultrasound uses high-frequency sound waves to produce real-time images of breast tissue. A handheld transducer is moved across the skin surface, and the reflected sound waves are processed into a detailed image. There is no radiation, no compression, and no discomfort for most patients.
Mammography uses low-dose X-rays to produce images of the breast. The breast is compressed between two plates to spread the tissue and reduce the radiation dose required. The compression can be uncomfortable, particularly in women with dense or tender breast tissue.
The two tests have complementary strengths:
| Factor | Breast Ultrasound | Mammogram |
|---|---|---|
| Technology | Sound waves | X-ray (low dose) |
| Radiation | None | Low dose |
| Compression | Not required | Required — can be uncomfortable |
| Best for | Masses, cysts, dense breast tissue, targeted assessment | Microcalcifications, population screening, overall breast survey |
| Dense breast tissue | Highly effective | Reduced sensitivity |
| Age group | All ages, including under 40 | Primarily 40+ (NHS screening from 50) |
| Pregnancy | Safe | Not recommended |
| Availability at Sonoworld | Yes — from £235 | Not available at Sonoworld |
Breast ultrasound is the preferred first-line investigation in the following situations:
Yes — and in many clinical scenarios, they should be. The combination of mammography and ultrasound has higher sensitivity for breast cancer than either test alone. Women with dense breast tissue who have a normal mammogram are increasingly offered supplemental ultrasound as part of their screening pathway.
At Sonoworld, we perform targeted breast ultrasound. If you have had a mammogram and been advised to have an ultrasound, or if you have a specific area of concern, we can provide a same-day appointment.
The most common scenario we see is a woman in her 30s or early 40s who has found a lump and been told by her GP to have an ultrasound rather than a mammogram. This is the correct clinical pathway — ultrasound is more informative than mammography in younger women with dense tissue, and it provides an immediate answer: the lump is a simple cyst, a fibroadenoma, or something that needs further assessment. In the vast majority of cases, the finding is benign, and the patient leaves with genuine reassurance.
No. Sonoworld specialises in diagnostic ultrasound. We do not offer mammography. If you require a mammogram, your GP can refer you to an NHS or private radiology department.
A breast ultrasound scan at Sonoworld costs £235, all-inclusive. This includes the scan, verbal results at the end of the appointment, and a written report within 24 hours. Book online.
No. You can book directly without a GP referral.
Sonoworld is registered with the Care Quality Commission (CQC). Our sonographers are registered with HCPC and are members of BMUS. All scans are performed at our Marylebone clinic: 29 Weymouth Street, London W1G 7DB.
Same-day and next-day appointments available at our Marylebone clinic. Instant verbal results. Written report within 24 hours. No GP referral required.
Price: £235 all-inclusive
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