Needle (Wire) Localization Biopsy

This type of biopsy is performed when you have an abnormality seen on a mammogram that cannot be felt. It is an outpatient biopsy that is done in two steps on the same day.

Step I Radiology: To Find the Abnormal Tissue
In either a sitting or standing position, your breast will be positioned for a mammogram so that the exact location of the problem on the mammogram can be found. Once the area has been accurately found, the radiologist will numb your breast with a local anesthetic. A needle is then inserted and a small wire is threaded through the needle so that the tip of the needle is near the abnormal area. Accurate placement of the wire is checked by mammogram and then the wire is securely taped in place and covered to prevent position changes. This part of the procedure may take from 1 to 1 _ hours; it is usually scheduled a minimum of 2 hours before surgery.

Most women report no pain, but sensations of pressure and pulling. Some women feel faint or dizzy. If you have any unusual symptoms or sensations, tell the technologist (the person positioning you for the mammogram) or radiologist (the doctor). The staff can best help you if they are aware of how you are feeling.

Step II Same Day Surgery: To Biopsy the Abnormal Tissue
You will be brought by wheelchair from radiology, where the wire was inserted, to same day surgery. Family or friends may be with you before and after the wire localization, but not during the procedure.

The biopsy is an excisional biopsy, meaning that the abnormality seen on mammogram is surgically removed. You will be given the anesthesia that you and your physician have discussed. The surgeon uses the wire to locate the abnormality and remove it in the operating room. The specimen, once removed from the breast, is then sent to radiology to be x-rayed. The radiologist and the surgeon communicate to confirm that the abnormality seen on mammogram has been removed.

There will be a scar on the breast after the biopsy. In general, your surgeon will be able to tell you where the incision (or scar) is expected to be on your breast. Most women do not experience a marked change in the appearance of the breast beyond the surgical scar. The swelling and bruising that you may experience will resolve. You will, however, be able to feel lumpiness near the surgical site from scar tissue after the biopsy.

This procedure is generally well tolerated and most patients return to their full range of activities by the next day. However, occasionally there are patients who experience considerable pain, swelling and discomfort after this procedure. These symptoms should be reported to your physician .

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