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Needle Localization
Breast Needle Localization
Everything You Need To Know Needle Localization
What is breast needle localization?
Breast Needle localization also referred to as wire localization, is a minimally invasive surgical technique used to locate the location of a breast abnormality before breast cancer surgery. The location of the wire marks the location of the abnormality, allowing the surgeon to know where exactly to remove the tissue. This procedure is done using either a mammogram or an ultrasound guide.
Who is a suitable candidate for breast needle localization?
Breast needle localization is the most common technique used to locate a lesion before surgery in patients with non-cancerous early-stage breast cancer who qualify for breast conservation surgery.
Preparation for breast needle localization
On the day of the consultation, the healthcare provider will take a complete medical history and perform a thorough physical examination to rule out any physical, medical, or social issues that must be addressed prior to the treatment. Blood and imaging tests may be necessary to identify any abnormalities that may affect the safety of the treatment, and patients may be asked to complete a breast health questionnaire.
Further, patients must discontinue the use of any blood thinners or vitamin E supplements two days before the surgery. No foods or beverages should be consumed after midnight the night before the surgery. It is recommended to avoid wearing talcum powders, deodorants, lotions, or fragrances on the breasts since these might cause images to become hazy and difficult to interpret.
Procedure for breast needle localization
This procedure involves injecting a local anaesthetic solution and placing a marker on the breast at the location of the abnormal tissue that has been identified on a mammogram or ultrasound. A very small needle will then be inserted into the breast, which may cause a slight sting. The imaging physician will then repeat the imaging process by taking a mammogram to ensure the needle tip is situated at the lesion. When the needle tip is in the desired position, a small dose of blue dye is injected into the breast. The needle will then be removed or replaced by a wire, and the patient is taken to surgery for the biopsy. During the surgery, the wire will be used by the surgeon to locate the abnormal breast tissue.
Post-procedure and recovery for breast needle localization
Upon completion of the procedure, the patient will be moved to the recovery area to be monitored for any complications. The patient is expected to return home on the same day of the procedure. At a subsequent follow-up appointment, 7 to 10 days following the biopsy, the wire and clip may be removed by the surgeon, along with any remaining abnormal tissue. Further, instructions on post-biopsy stretching and other regular activities, smoking, drinking, etc., must be provided to the patients.
Risks and complications of breast needle localization
All invasive procedures carry a certain degree of risk and wire localization is considered to be a low-risk procedure, with rare complications. However, it is important to note that there are certain risks associated with this procedure, such as haemorrhage, infection, and pain. Additionally, it is possible to cause bruising, swelling, and scarring, as well as minor skin irritation, due to the use of Mammography and Ultrasound. The administration of local anaesthesia is generally safe during this procedure, but there is a slight risk of bleeding or infection, as well as nerve injury.
FAQs
The needle localization procedure takes less than an hour’s time. However, it is advised to reach the testing laboratory one hour prior to the procedure.
Needle localization of a breast biopsy is advantageous as it allows the surgeon to focus on the appropriate area, thus ensuring that only the tissue that has been affected is removed. Additionally, wire localization necessitates fewer incisions during surgery, resulting in less scarring and a quicker recovery.
A radiographical stereotaxic projection is the correct needle placement for the needle localization technique. The stereotaxic (orthogonal) projection indicates the position where the needle should be positioned beyond the cluster (microcalcification) of the breast. The needle should then be placed 1 cm above the lesion so that it is properly transfixed and provides an accurate outcome.
The most common alternative is a biopsy without localization, where the surgeon would use a needle in the breast using either mammography or ultrasound. Another option is an MRI-guided needle biopsy, where the needle is guided into the breast by an MRI. Another alternative is a non-imaging biopsy, in which the surgeon makes a bigger incision to remove the abnormal tissue, but only if the abnormal tissue is easy to see or feel.
The physician will talk about all the options and help to determine which procedure is suitable for the patient. Factors considered while determining the right choice of treatment include the breast shape, size and placement of the abnormality, general health, and individual preference.