Valley Radiology Consultants

Needle (wire) Localization Procedure

 

Needle (wire) localization procedures can be performed with mammographic, ultrasound or MRI guidance. These procedures are performed by one of our specialty trained Radiologists and are typically performed after a breast biopsy, on the morning of breast surgery. Wire localization procedures enable your surgeon to know exactly where the abnormal tissue is within your breast and have been shown to significantly increase the success of surgery (i.e. the surgeon has a better chance of getting all the abnormal tissue at the time of surgery). 

 

Similar to a breast biopsy, the skin is first sterilized and cleansed. A small amount of local anesthetic is then used to numb the area of the breast. After the numbing medication is administered, you should not feel any pain, only a small amount of pressure. A small needle (with a wire threaded through the needle), is then inserted into your breast with the tip of the needle/wire at the site of abnormal tissue. The needle is then removed and wire is left in your breast, marking the area of abnormal tissue for your surgeon. Our team of technologists and support staff will then secure the wire in your breast. From here, you will then travel to the facility your surgery will be performed.