 |
Questions and Answers about Breast Needle Localization
What is breast needle localization?
Breast needle localization is a procedure performed prior to a breast biopsy and involves placing a very thin wire into your breast to locate the area which needs to be biopsied. The wire is removed at the time of the biopsy.
Why is breast needle localization done?
Breast needle localization is done to help your surgeon locate an abnormality which shows up on mammograms/breast ultrasound films, but cannot be felt. Because of the abnormal area sometimes cannot be felt or seen without the aid of x-rays, the area may be difficult to locate in surgery without the help of prior localization.
The needle localization procedure guides the surgeon to the area of abnormal breast tissue and helps to ensure that it is removed without the unnecessary removal of healthy breast tissue.
How is the procedure performed?
First, the skin of a small area of your breast will be numbed with a local anesthetic. Then, one or two very thin needles will be placed into the breast. Additional mammogram or ultrasound films will be taken to check the position of the needle. A thin wire is placed through the needle and into the breast.
Is the procedure painful?
The injection of anesthetic may sting for a few seconds, but then you usually will not feel any pain during the placement of needle and the wire. Patients rarely experience discomfort after the wire is in place.
Who performs the needle localization procedure?
A radiologist who is specially trained in reviewing mammograms/breast ultrasounds and in performing localizations will perform the procedure. The radiologist is assisted by a technologist who also is specially trained in this procedure. The technologist will obtain mammograms/ultrasound films before and after the needle placement.
How long will this take?
The breast needle localization will be done at least an hour before your scheduled surgery. The procedure usually is completed in 45 to 60 minutes. Then, you will be taken to one of the surgical areas where your surgeon will perform the breast biopsy. The biopsy takes about one hour.
How will my surgeon know if the abnormal area on my mammogram was removed in surgery?
The tissue removed during the biopsy will be X-rayed. The radiologist will investigate whether the abnormal area seen on your mammogram also is seen in the x-ray of the biopsied tissue. The radiologist will call your surgeon with this information. The biopsied breast tissue will be sent to the hospital laboratory to be analyzed. Your surgeon will received the final results from the laboratory in 24 to 48 hours. You will be given discharge instructions after surgery.
If you have any questions about the breast needle localization procedure, call your surgeon or the Care Continuum Specialist at St. Vincent's Comprehensive Breast Center at 930-2929.
