This is a procedure that helps your doctor evaluate a suspicious area that is found on a mammogram, but cannot be felt during an exam. The tissue in that area is removed and examined in order for the doctor to determine what types of cells are present. The pre-operative breast localization procedure involves a radiologist placing a wire into the breast that will help the surgeon find the suspicious area during a surgical biopsy. A series of X-rays will be taken of your breast with the wire in place to determine that it is in the correct location. This procedure, performed at the Breast Health Center, requires only local anesthesia
What To Expect The Day Of Your Procedure
On the day of your scheduled pre-operative breast localization, be sure to wear slacks and a removable top and refrain from wearing any jewelry. You will arrive in the morning at the Kathryn Candor Lundy Breast Health Center. Be sure that a family member or friend accompanies you.
When you arrive at the Center, you will be asked to undress, from the waist up, and to put on a mammography cape. One of our skilled and certified female mammographers will place you, as comfortably as possible, on the stereotactic table or mammo unit. A small amount of breast compression is needed to take a clear image of your breast.
Once the area is identified, a radiologist begins by injecting local anesthesia. After this injection you may experience a "stinging" sensation, which will quickly subside. The radiologist then places a wire guide into the breast and takes more X-rays to be sure the wire is placed in the area to be biopsied. Once determined that the wire is in the correct location, the guide is removed and the wire stays in place. You may be able to feel the wire being inserted, however, after the placement, it is not painful. A small dressing is applied. A few final mammograms will be taken and you will be asked to take these with you to Same Day Services. After the procedure has been completed you will be asked to change back into your clothing. The whole procedure takes approximately 30 minutes.
If you have questions about your procedure, don't hesitate to call us at (570) 326-8200. We'll be happy to answer your questions.