What is Breast Localization?

Based on the results obtained from your recent mammogram your physician may recommend that an area of your breast be biopsied in order to further assist in diagnosing the condition of the breast. This can be accomplished through a technique known as Breast Localization. Often times breast localization is performed immediately prior to surgical excisional biopsy to assist the surgeon in correctly and accurately targeting the abnormal areas.

Breast localization is a simple process similar to the mammogram exam. Breast localization is used when the surgeon is unable to feel the mass on physical examination. In such a case, the abnormality is detectable only by mammogram. The purpose of the breast localization is to place a guide wire within the breast at the point of concern. This will guide your surgeon to the abnormality.

Procedure

As in the mammogram procedure, your breast will be placed between specially designed compression plates. For the localization procedure you will be seated at the mammography equipment. Before the localization procedure, an x-ray will be taken from different views to determine the location of the abnormality. The technologist and radiologist will explain the procedure. You will be asked to sign a consent form allowing the procedure to be completed.

A special compression paddle is placed onto your breast, which helps keep the breast still. The area is cleaned with a sterile solution and then marked with a skin marker pen.

Next, the skin of the breast will be anesthetized with a small needle. An initial sting or burning sensation may be felt after which only pressure is felt.

A hollow needle is placed within the breast at and through the area of concern. An x-ray is again taken to ascertain the initial positioning. If this is correct, a second image is taken to ensure the exactness of the positioning. (Depending on the surgeon's preference, the radiologist may inject blue dye to help the surgeon see the abnormal tissue more clearly.) Once verified, a small wire (hook type) is passed through the hollow needle to the area of concern. The needle is replaced by the wire, which remains in the breast until your surgeon removes it and the area of concern at surgery time. Two more mammograms will be taken to show the wire and lesion. These will be sent with you to surgery so your surgeon will have them during surgery. A small patch covering the wire will be taped to the breast surface. You will be asked to redress with your loose fitting clothing and then you will be taken to the surgery area.

Post Exam

Because this study is done immediately prior to surgery, you will go right to surgery from Inland Imaging. The radiologist will contact the surgeon directly following the localization so he/she is aware of all findings.

For further information contact the following website:

National Cancer Institute at www.nci.nih.gov