Breast Needle Localization

Your physician has referred you to the Diagnostic Services Department at United Hospital Center for a breast needle localization procedure. A breast needle localization procedure is a diagnostic procedure in which a special needle and x-rays are used to identify the precise location of abnormal breast tissue for the purpose of performing a breast biopsy.

After registration, you will be sent to the Out Patient Surgery Department. There, you will be changed into a hospital gown and asked to fill out a history sheet. A nurse will then assess you by taking your blood pressure, pulse, etc.

You will then be taken to the Diagnostic Services Department for your procedure. This procedure will be performed by a radiologist ( 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 first part of the process is similar to a mammography exam. The technologist will position you in front of the mammogram unit and your breast will be placed between specially designed compression plates while x-rays are taken in several different angles to determine the exact location of the tissue under study.

Next, the radiologist will cleanse and possibly numb your breast before inserting 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 guidewire will be inserted through the needle to mark the position of the abnormality for the surgeon. Two additional x-rays will be taken to identify the exact location of the wire. A styrofoam cup will then be placed over the wire and taped to your skin to protect it until your surgery.

The breast needle localization procedure usually takes 30 to 60 minutes. The time can vary depending on the difficulty in locating the abnormality.

Upon completion of the breast needle localization, you will be returned to the Out Patient Surgery Department, where you will stay until the time of your surgery. The tissue specimen removed during surgery will be sent to a laboratory pathologist for examination. The final pathology report is usually sent to your surgeon.