Needle Localization of the Breast

A needle localization of the breast is a procedure that marks breast abnormalities that cannot be felt, but are visible on a mammogram, prior to surgical biopsy. A radiologist performs the localization with the assistance of the mammography technologists.

A needle localization is performed to assist your surgeon in removing the breast tissue that contains the abnormality.

Before your needle localization of the breast, please do not wear deodorants, powders or perfumes on your upper body. The rest of the preparation consists of the pre-surgery instructions given to you by your physician.

During the procedure, the technologist will first take preliminary films of the area while you are either lying on a table or in an upright position. While these are reviewed by the radiologist, your breast will remain compressed. Once the area of abnormality is shown on film, the skin is cleansed with a special soap. The radiologist will then anesthetize (numb up) your tissues and insert a localizing needle. Films are then taken to show the needle’s position in relationship to the abnormality. The needle may need to be repositioned. Once the needle is near the abnormality, a blue dye may be injected through it to stain the tissues. A thin wire is then inserted through the needle, and then the needle is withdrawn, leaving the wire in your breast. The wire is bent and taped to your skin. Final films are taken. You may feel the wire in your breast, but generally it is not painful. You will be given your final films to take to surgery.

After the needle localization has been completed, you will be sent to surgery. The surgeon will use the wire as a guide to find the abnormal area in your breast. A mammogram is done on the tissue removed to make sure the abnormality has been removed. A pathologist then studies the tissue to determine if cancer cells are present. The pathology analysis usually takes at least two days. Your surgeon will inform you of the pathology results.

Providing safe, quality patient care is our highest priority. To help ensure quality and safety, we ask that you do not bring young children with you to your appointments, as children are not allowed to accompany you during Imaging procedures. Staff is unable to monitor your child in your absence.

If you have any questions about this procedure, please discuss them with your physician or contact The Breast Center at (320) 229-4919 or (800) 835-6652.

Your appointment is on:

Date: ________________ Time: ________________ at the following location:

CentraCare Health Plaza - Woodlands entrance - Please check in at the Breast Center, located on the first floor at Suite 1500, 15 minutes prior to your appointment.