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This page includes general information about what you can expect before, during and after your exam. For more specific information about your appointment and results, please contact the local center where your appointment is scheduled.
The goal of a breast needle localization (also called wire localization) is to mark an area in your breast to guide your surgeon during a surgical procedure. This procedure is performed using image-guidance, such as ultrasound, mammography (or stereotactic) or MRI for guiding the needle and wire into the area of interest. Images will be taken of your breast to determine the location of the abnormality. The needle is positioned and other images will be obtained. Once the abnormal area in question has been located, a small wire is placed through the needle and the needle is removed leaving the wire in place. Additional mammogram images may be taken. The wire will be taped to your skin until your surgery.
Exam Preparation
- A representative from our staff will call you prior to your appointment to provide you specific instructions, and review health and insurance information.
- A representative from our staff will also provide instructions for your ongoing use of medications. You may be asked to stop blood thinners, such as Aspirin, Coumadin or Plavix. Contact your doctor prior to discontinuing any medications.
- Bring prior mammograms, ultrasounds, or scan results with you to your exam, if instructed.
- Please notify a member of our staff if you are nursing or if there is a chance you may be pregnant.
- Please arrive 15 minutes early to verify your registration.
During the Exam – What to Expect
- The technologist will position you for easiest access to the area.
- The skin will be swabbed with a cleaning solution.
- A local anesthetic is used to numb area where the needle will be inserted.
- A radiologist will utilize the appropriate image-guided technology to place a needle into the breast tissue.
- Once the needle is in position, a thin wire is placed through the needle.
- The needle is then removed, leaving the wire in place to be used as a guide for the surgeon during a breast surgery.
- Once the localization is complete, a surgeon in the operating room removes the wire and the surrounding tissue.
After the Exam –What to Expect
Ask a member of our staff for more specific information on next steps, and your appointment with your surgeon. However, in general you can expect:
- Once the wire is in place, a small bandage will be placed over the area.
- Talk with the technologist at the time of your procedure to determine where you go next after the needle localization.
- Talk to your surgeon regarding when you will be able to resume normal activity.
If you have additional questions about your appointment or our services, check out our Frequently Asked Questions or contact your local imaging center.
To find out if the center nearest you offers this exam, go to the “Our Centers” section of this site.
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