Needle Localization

How do you Wire Localize Breasts?

The wire localization procedure is used to help find a cancerous lump in the breast. It is usually done before a biopsy or as part of the biopsy procedure.Wire localization is done using mammography, a type of x-ray exam of the breast. The radiologist (a doctor specializing in interpreting medical images) will take X-rays of the breast from different angles. 

These pictures are then examined on a computer screen. The radiologist will look for an abnormality, such as a mass, that might be cancer.  Once an abnormality is found, the radiologist will place a thin metal wire into the breast through a needle. 

The wire is then threaded through the abnormality to be seen on the X-rays. The wire acts as a marker, or guide, to help the surgeon remove the suitable tissue during the biopsy procedure.In some cases, localization may be done using ultrasound instead of mammography. Ultrasound uses sound waves to create pictures of the breast. The radiologist will place the wire using the ultrasound scan. 

The wire localization procedure is done on an outpatient basis, so you will not have to stay overnight in the hospital. The procedure takes approximately 1 hour. You may be asked to remove all clothing and jewelry from your waist up, and you will be given a gown to wear. You will be asked to lie on your back on an x-ray table to position your chest area on the x-ray machine. As an initial step, the target area of your skin is cleaned and made numb with a local anesthetic. 

A small incision (cut) will be made in your skin. A needle will be inserted through the incision and into the breast. The wire will then be passed through the needle and placed into the breast. The wire is then positioned so that it goes through the abnormality. The radiologist will take more X-rays to confirm the correct placement of the wire. Once this is ensured, the needle is removed, and a clip is placed on the end of the wire. The incision in your skin is closed with a stitch or surgical tape. 

You will be given specific instructions on how to care for the incision. The doctors will hand you a card with the wire localization procedure information. You will need it when you go for your biopsy.

• The doctors will do a mammogram or ultrasound to help locate the abnormal tissue.
• They will administer a local anesthetic to numb the area.
• You may be asked to sign a consent form that gives your permission for the procedure.

During the procedure:

• A thin wire is inserted into the breast through a small needle.
• The wire is positioned inside the abnormal tissue.
• With the help of an x-ray or fluoroscope, the position of the wire is checked.
• Once the wire is in the right place, it is secured with a small clip.
• The needle will then be removed.
• Later the surgeon may make a small incision (cut) over the wire and insert a tiny probe. This probe emits radio waves that help guide the surgeon to the abnormal tissue.
• The surgeon will then remove the abnormal tissue.
• Lastly, the wire and clip are left in place, and the incision is closed with stitches or surgical glue.

After the procedure:

• After completing the procedure, you are transferred to a recovery area to monitor for any complications.
• You may have some bruising, swelling, and discomfort at the biopsy site that should go away within a few days.
• You are expected to go home the same day as the procedure.
• Your doctor will remove the wire and clip along during a follow-up appointment 7 to 10 days after the biopsy.
• If required, the surgeon will remove any remaining abnormal tissue.
  Trust >Dr. Jay Rashmi Anam, a renowned Breast Cancer Specialist in Mumbai, to Provide expert care. With a focus on precision, your procedure will leave the wire and clip in place, ensuring a seamless Recovery. Experience top-notch treatment with stitches or surgical Glue, Ensuring Your Comfort and Well-Being.

The main Benefit of wire Localization is that it helps Guide the Surgeon to operate on the right area during a breast biopsy. This helps to ensure that only the affected tissue is removed.

Doctors may also use wire Localization Instead of a Biopsy in Some Cases. If a Suspicious area can be seen on mammography or Ultrasound but is not large Enough to feel, the Radiologist may place a wire in it. 

The Surgeon can then remove the tissue using surgery. Another Benefit of Wire localization is that it requires smaller incisions (cuts) during surgery, ensuring lesser scarring and faster recovery.

Wire localization is considered a low-risk procedure, and complications are rare. Mammography and ultrasound are safe forms of imaging but occasionally may cause minor skin irritation. Administration of local anesthesia during this procedure is generally safe. However, there is a small risk of bleeding, infection, or nerve injury.

• The commonly used alternative to wire localization is biopsy without localization. The surgeon would use mammography or ultrasound to guide the needle into the breast. This is called a stereotactic needle biopsy. 
• Another alternative is MRI-guided needle biopsy. In this procedure, an MRI machine guides the needle into the breast. 
• Another option is an open biopsy that is done without any imaging guidance. Here, the surgeon makes a larger incision to extract the abnormal tissue. However, this is only done if the abnormal tissue can be easily seen or felt.

Wire localization is the most common form of localization and is considered the best method for guiding the surgeon to the right area during a biopsy. 

If you have been diagnosed with breast cancer, your doctor will discuss all your treatment options with you, including discussing the risks and benefits of each option. Based on that, you can choose the best treatment option.

Experience compassionate and expert care with Dr. Jay Rashmi Anam, a renowned Breast cancer surgeon in Mumbai. With years of dedicated practice, Dr. Jay Rashmi Anam Brings a wealth of knowledge and skill to ensure the best possible outcomes for his patients. Trust in his expertise for Comprehensive Breast Cancer Care in the Heart of Mumbai.

• Shape, size and location of the abnormality.
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• Your preferences.

You can book an appointment with our experts to know more about Wire/Needle Localization.