What is a needle localization procedure?
How is a needle localization procedure performed?
What effect will the exam have on me during and following the procedure?
Who interprets the findings of the procedure?

What is a needle localization procedure?
Needle localization is a procedure that is used to guide a wire into the breast tissue in the area of an abnormality that looks suspicious on a mammogram. You will go to surgery following this procedure to have the entire abnormality removed under anesthetic. This is also called an Open Biopsy or surgical biopsy. The wire will guide your surgeon to the suspicious area.

How is a needle localization procedure performed?
The Needle Localization procedure will only take about 20 minutes and it is done on an Outpatient basis. You will go to patient registration the morning of the examination to do paperwork and you will be escorted to the Breast Center. If your mammogram was performed at a different facility, you will need to bring your films and reports with you for this examination.

What effect will the exam have on me during and following the procedure?
You will be asked questions about allergies and the procedure will be explained to you by a technologist before the examination begins.

You will be sitting for the entire procedure. The breast will be compressed during the procedure to ensure the breast does not move. Images will be taken before the procedure to localize the area the surgeon will be removing.

The radiologist will explain the procedure. Your breast will be cleaned with a sterile solution and the radiologist will administer Lidocaine (to numb the skin) and place a needle into the breast in the area of the abnormality. Images will be taken to document proper placement of the needle. After proper placement, the needle will be removed and a wire will stay in the breast. The technologist will secure the wire and you will be asked to dress. We will then walk you to the pre-op area so you may get prepped for surgery.

This same procedure can be utilized using Ultrasound Guidance if the abnormality is seen on the ultrasound exam.

Who interprets the findings of the procedure?
The pathologist examines the removed specimen and makes a final diagnosis. Your referring physician will share the results with you.