Concierge breast imaging · London
Tomosynthesis, 3D digital mammography — sharper breast cancer detection, especially in dense breasts.
Digital breast tomosynthesis (DBT) is a 3D mammogram — the breast is imaged in thin slices, giving sharper cancer detection than 2D mammography, especially in dense breasts (categories C and D).
Why patients choose us
- 01
The right hands
We route you to a consultant breast radiologist — the person acquiring and reading your tomosynthesis decides the answer.
- 02
Often answers same-day
Findings can frequently be discussed immediately, with same-day ultrasound if a lesion is seen.
- 03
Independent, and free
We are paid by no clinic, so the recommendation is impartial and costs you nothing.
Key facts
What tomosynthesis is, in six lines.
The core facts a patient — or a referring GP — needs before booking, without the marketing.
- 01
Definition
Digital breast tomosynthesis (DBT) — a 3D X-ray of the breast reconstructed from a sweep of low-dose projections.
- 02
Thin-slice imaging (1 mm)
The breast is reconstructed in 1 mm slices, so overlapping tissue no longer hides small cancers.
- 03
Sharper in dense breasts
Materially better sensitivity in dense breasts (BI-RADS categories C and D) than 2D mammography alone.
- 04
Similar radiation to 2D
Modern DBT with synthesised 2D delivers a dose broadly comparable to a standard digital mammogram.
- 05
Complements US and MRI
Sits alongside targeted ultrasound and, where indicated, breast MRI — not a replacement for either.
- 06
Foundation of private screening
The default first-line test for symptomatic breast presentations and private screening from 40.
Indicative pricing
What private tomosynthesis costs in London.
Indicative ranges across our partner clinics. Send the details and we quote firm figures across two or three options.
In short
A standard DBT in our network: £280–£450, with findings often the same day.
| Scan type | Indicative range | Typical duration | Report turnaround |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard tomosynthesis (both breasts) | £280–£450 | 20 min | Same-day |
| Tomosynthesis + targeted breast US | £450–£700 | 45 min | Same-day |
| DBT + consultant breast opinion | £600–£950 | 60 min | Same visit |
| One-stop breast clinic (DBT + US + biopsy if needed) | £950–£1,800 | Half-day | Same-week |
| Private breast screen (DBT ± US, age-adjusted) | £450–£900 | 45 min | Same-week |
| Urgent symptomatic tomosynthesis | £350–£650 | 20 min | Same-day |
Prices vary by clinic, whether targeted ultrasound is added, and whether a same-visit consultant breast opinion is included. We come back with a firm quote within one working day.
Diagnosis steps
From consultation to structured plan — what happens, in order.
One consultant breast radiologist from first image to final report — often within the same visit.
Phase 1 · Before
Breast consultation
Phase 2 · On the day
~20 minutes at the machine
Phase 3 · After
Report and next steps
- 01
Before
Breast consultation
A short review of history, family history, hormonal factors and any lump, discharge or skin change — before we image.
- 02
On the day
Breast compression
Firm, brief compression flattens the tissue — uncomfortable for seconds, essential for image quality and dose reduction.
- 03
On the day
Rotating X-ray captures slices
The tube arcs across the breast, acquiring a sweep of low-dose projections reconstructed into 1 mm slices.
- 04
On the day
Radiographer review
The radiographer checks image quality on the console before you step away from the machine.
- 05
After
Consultant radiologist reports
A consultant breast radiologist reads the slices and issues a structured BI-RADS report.
- 06
After
Same-day US if indicated
If a lesion is seen, targeted ultrasound is done in the same visit — often with same-visit biopsy planning.
- 07
After
Structured plan
A written report with BI-RADS category and the concrete next step — reassurance, short-interval follow-up, or biopsy.
Typical end-to-end: same visit to 3 days. Urgent symptomatic cases: same day.
What it shows
The findings tomosynthesis is designed to catch.
The cancers, pre-cancers and benign mimics DBT is designed to detect and characterise — and the red flag that changes the pathway.
-
Invasive ductal carcinoma
The commonest breast cancer — DBT sharpens detection of small masses and spiculated lesions.
-
Invasive lobular carcinoma
Notoriously subtle on 2D; tomosynthesis better resolves architectural distortion typical of lobular disease.
-
DCIS
Ductal carcinoma in situ — often seen as microcalcification clusters on DBT and synthesised 2D.
-
Architectural distortion
A tethering or spiculated pattern without a discrete mass — a key DBT strength.
-
Radial scar
A benign but suspicious-looking distortion — DBT characterises it and guides biopsy decisions.
-
Fibroadenoma
A common benign solid lesion — typically confirmed on adjunct ultrasound after DBT.
-
Cyst
Simple cysts are common and benign — DBT flags them and US confirms the diagnosis.
-
Red flag: BI-RADS 4/5 — urgent core biopsy
A BI-RADS 4 or 5 finding requires urgent image-guided core biopsy — do not defer.
Treatment options
What follows a suspicious tomosynthesis finding.
If DBT raises concern, this is the full staircase — from image-guided biopsy to systemic therapy and MDT sign-off.
-
US-guided core biopsy
The default histological work-up for a solid lesion seen on DBT and ultrasound.
-
Vacuum-assisted biopsy
Larger tissue samples for microcalcifications or radial scars — usually stereotactic or DBT-guided.
-
Wide local excision
Breast-conserving surgery — the standard for most early-stage, screen-detected cancers.
-
Mastectomy
Reserved for larger or multifocal disease, and for selected high-risk patients.
-
Sentinel lymph node biopsy
Axillary staging at the time of primary surgery for invasive disease.
-
Neoadjuvant chemo
Chemotherapy before surgery to downstage larger or biologically aggressive tumours.
-
Endocrine therapy
Tamoxifen or aromatase inhibitors for hormone-receptor-positive disease.
-
MDT review
Every confirmed cancer is discussed at a breast multidisciplinary team meeting before a plan is finalised.
Our vetted London network
A small panel of clinics, we picked them.
Partners across central, north, west and south London. Not listed publicly — introductions are made privately, once we understand your case.
Selection criteria
How we choose every breast unit in our network.
-
Consultant breast radiologists with symptomatic and screening practice
-
Current-generation DBT with synthesised 2D reconstruction
-
Same-visit ultrasound and core biopsy capability
-
Onward breast-surgery MDT pathway if malignancy is found
Red flags
The findings that change the pathway.
Any of these should trigger same-week specialist review — even if the rest of the picture looks reassuring.
-
BI-RADS 4-5
A BI-RADS 4 (suspicious) or 5 (highly suggestive of malignancy) finding requires urgent image-guided biopsy.
-
New spiculated mass
Any new spiculated mass — irrespective of prior imaging — is worked up as malignant until proven otherwise.
-
Bloody nipple discharge
Spontaneous, unilateral, single-duct bloody discharge needs prompt triple assessment.
-
Skin tethering
Localised skin retraction or tethering over a palpable lesion is a red flag for underlying malignancy.
-
Peau d’orange
Dimpled, orange-peel skin change raises concern for inflammatory breast cancer — same-week referral.
-
Cervical lymphadenopathy with breast mass
Palpable neck or axillary nodes with a breast lesion demand urgent staging.
-
Male breast lump
Any new firm lump in a man is investigated with triple assessment — DBT, US and core biopsy.
-
BRCA1/2 carrier
Known BRCA carriers follow surveillance pathways with annual MRI plus mammography from 30.
-
Post-radiotherapy new mass
A new mass in a previously irradiated breast requires urgent imaging and biopsy — recurrence must be excluded.
Reading your report
A tomosynthesis report can look intimidating. It isn’t.
Whatever the finding, the report keeps to the same four parts — and ends with a BI-RADS category.
A quiet reminder
The report is written for your doctor, not for you — and that’s normal.
If you would like us to talk you through it before your follow-up, just ask.
- 01 Header
Indication and risk factors
Your details, the reason for the scan, and the breast-cancer risk factors that shape interpretation.
- 02 Technique
DBT projections and dose
Views acquired (CC and MLO), whether synthesised 2D was used, and the mean glandular dose.
- 03 Findings
Density, lesion location, calcifications
Breast density (A–D), lesion description, calcification morphology, and comparison with priors.
- 04 Impression
BI-RADS category and next step
A BI-RADS 0–6 category and the concrete next step — routine, short-interval follow-up, or biopsy. Read this first.
Recognised by major UK insurers
Cover depends on your policy and clinic; we confirm with your insurer before booking.
Frequently asked
Everything we get asked about tomosynthesis.
Quick answers on dose, dense breasts, BI-RADS, referrals, pregnancy, and when to escalate.
-
What does tomosynthesis show that a 2D mammogram doesn’t?
Tomosynthesis reconstructs the breast in 1 mm slices, so overlapping tissue no longer hides small cancers. The gain is largest in dense breasts (BI-RADS categories C and D) and for architectural distortion — the hallmark of invasive lobular cancer.
-
How much radiation does DBT deliver?
A modern DBT study with synthesised 2D delivers a mean glandular dose broadly comparable to a standard digital mammogram — well within the diagnostic reference level.
-
What is BI-RADS?
The Breast Imaging Reporting and Data System — a standardised 0–6 category used by breast radiologists worldwide. 1–2 are benign, 3 is short-interval follow-up, 4–5 are biopsy, 6 is known biopsy-proven cancer.
-
Do I need a referral for private tomosynthesis?
Most clinics accept self-referral for a symptomatic breast presentation or private screening. We can arrange a fast-track private GP if a formal referral is needed for insurance.
-
Is DBT safe in pregnancy?
X-ray-based breast imaging is generally avoided in pregnancy. Ultrasound and, where needed, MRI without contrast are the first-line tests during pregnancy.
-
When should I go to A&E instead?
Breast findings almost never need A&E. However, features of inflammatory breast cancer — rapidly progressive redness, swelling and peau d’orange — need same-week specialist review, not a routine slot.
Sources
Guidelines and references.
- NICE. Familial breast cancer: classification, care and managing breast cancer and related risks in people with a family history of breast cancer (CG164).
- Royal College of Radiologists. Guidance on screening and symptomatic breast imaging.
- European Society of Breast Imaging (EUSOBI). Position statements on digital breast tomosynthesis.
- American College of Radiology. BI-RADS Atlas, 5th edition.
Published 2026-07-30 · Last reviewed 2026-07-30 · Next review 2027-07-30 · 5 min read · Reviewed by Pulse Atlas Editorial Board, .
Related tests
Looking for a different test?
-
Mammography
2D digital mammography — the long-standing first-line breast screen.
Learn more -
Breast MRI
Contrast-enhanced MRI — for BRCA carriers, dense breasts and problem-solving.
Learn more -
US-guided FNA
Fine-needle aspiration under ultrasound — for cystic and nodal lesions.
Learn more -
All tests
Browse every test and procedure we arrange.
Learn more -
Prostate Cancer
Related condition guide.
Learn more -
Colorectal Cancer
Related condition guide.
Learn more -
Cryoablation For Cancer
Related treatment option.
Learn more -
Colon Cancer Surgery
Related treatment option.
Learn more
In practice, in London
Booking tomosynthesis privately in London — what actually happens
With tomosynthesis, the London question is usually about report turnaround and the radiologist reading it — not whether the scan is available. The wait for tomosynthesis on the NHS depends heavily on where you live and how urgently the referral is graded. Central and West London private clinics can normally book within a week, with imaging or a procedure slot to follow shortly after. It’s worth being honest about the reason for going private: usually it’s time, not a fundamentally different test.
Once you’re in the private system for tomosynthesis, the pace picks up noticeably. Consultant slots run to time, imaging is usually available in the same building or a short walk away, and the report comes back typed and detailed. It’s the coordination that tends to feel different — one person on the other end of the phone, not a switchboard. For tomosynthesis specifically, the difference between a routine report and a sub-speciality read is where private care earns its keep.
We’re careful about what a private pathway for tomosynthesis can and can’t promise. It can compress a wait, put you in front of a subspecialist quickly, and get a proper report in your hands within a week. It can’t rewrite what the imaging or the bloods say. Setting that expectation up front tends to make the whole experience less stressful.