Needle Localization for Breast Biopsy

The purpose of this procedure is to help identify the precise location of abnormal breast tissue for biopsy. This is done prior to the breast biopsy by placing a small wire at the point of the abnormality.  The radiologist will decide if either Mammogram or Ultrasound pictures will be taken to confirm the location of the suspected abnormality.

What to expect

A technologist will bring you from the surgical area to the radiology area after you have been checked in and prepped for surgery.

In most cases, a local anesthetic will be used. This will be done with a very tiny needle and you may feel a slight sting in your breast. The radiologist will then insert another needle. Images will again be taken to check the position of the needle tip. If the needle is not at the lesion, the needle will be repositioned and the imaging process repeated. When the tip is in the correct position, the needle will be removed or replaced with a wire, and you will be taken to surgery for your biopsy.

Your exam will take approximately 60 minutes

On the day of your exam

Please arrive approximately 15 minutes prior to your appointment time to allow for parking and registration. If you bring friends or family to the appointment they will be asked to have a seat in a waiting room during your test. Children cannot be left unattended during the test, so please arrange for a caregiver.

After the procedure

A small bandage will be placed over the incision area with the wire securely taped down.  You will return to the Surgery department for the surgeon to perform the breast biopsy.

Results

Our pathologist prepares a pathology report that is sent to your practitioner, from whom you may obtain the results. If you have any questions regarding this procedure, please contact our department at at 608-342-4740.

Date of appointment _______________________________________ Time_____________________

Your procedure will be performed at Southwest Health at 1400 Eastside Road – Platteville, WI 53818. Please use the Main Hospital Entrance and check in at the Registration Desk prior to your scheduled procedure.

If you cannot keep your appointment please contact the radiology department at 608-342-4740 so that me may accommodate another patient.

NOTE: It may take 2-3 days to obtain verification from your insurance company for exams that require prior authorization, such as CT, MRI, Nuclear Stress, Injections, etc.