Breast Needle Localization Procedure

Because the breast is a complex structure of glands, ducts, fibrous tissue and fat, abnormal tissue may be difficult to locate during surgery. 

Breast needle localization is a diagnostic procedure in which a special needle and x-rays are used to identify the precise location of abnormal beast tissue for the purpose of performing a breast biopsy.

A biopsy is a highly detailed microscopic study of selected tissue to determine if specific cell changes have taken place, such as in cancer.  The procedure more effectively utilizes the surgeon's time, while minimizing the removal of healthy breast tissue.

What To Expect During Your Visit

Your Arrival
When you arrive at VRMC as an outpatient, enter VRMC through the main lobby and proceed to the information desk where you will be asked to complete the necessary registration forms.  Following this, you will be called to the Short Stay Unit where the nursing staff will prepare you for the breast localization and breast biopsy procedure.

Time Required For Your Breast Localization
The breast needle localization procedure usually takes 30-60 minutes.  Each patient can differ depending on the location of the abnormality in the breast tissue.

A Special Note To Patients
Nothing to eat or drink after midnight the day of the procedure.  Please inform the technologist or doctor of the following:
          * Any allergies you may have
          * If you are pregnant or think you may be
          * If you are undergoing radiation therapy
          * Avoid wearing jewelry-metallics may interfere with the accuracy of the film image.
          * Do not use underarm deodorant
          * You will need someone to drive you home after the procedure.

What  Will The Procedure Be Like:
Your radiologist/technologist will explain to you your breast needle localization procedure.
The breast needle localization x-rays procedure will be performed by a radiologist (a radiologist is a physician who specializes in medical diagnosis by imaged tests such as ultrasound, x-rays, etc.) and a radiologic technologist specializing in breast needle localization and mammography.  The technologist has completed a rigorous course in education and training and works under close supervision of the radiologist to assure the most accurate results from your examination.

The first part of the process is similar to a mammography exam.  Your technologist will position you in front of an x-ray machine.  As in the mammogram, your breast may be placed between specially designed compression plates.  X-rays will probably be taken of serveral different projections to determine the exact location of the tissue under study.

Next, the radiologist will insert a localization needle and an x-ray will be taken to confirm the precise location of the needle.  The purpose of this part of the procedure is to pinpoint the area of concern for your surgeon.  If the x-ray shows that the needle is incorrectly positioned, the radiologist will reposition the needle and assure placement by x-ray.

With the abnormality precisely located, a small guide wire will be inserted through the needle to mark the position of the abnormality for the surgeon, and the needle withdrawn.  Two additional x-rays will be taken to identify the exact location of the wire.  The wire will then be taped to your skin.

Breast Localization Diagnosis
Upon Completion of the breast localization, you will be sent to the operating room for the removal of the tissue (abnormality).  This specimen will be sent to x-ray for filming to be sure all abnormal tissue was removed.  This specimen will be sent to the pathologist for diagnosis.  The results will be given to your doctor as soon as possible.  The radiologist is a highly skilled physician specially trained in breast localization procedures.  He (or she) will assist your surgeon in "reading" the x-rays that may be required and help plan any subsequent medical treatment.

We request your complete cooperation in conducting this procedure to ensure that the greatest possible diagnostic benefit is achieved.