An Improved Method for Localization of Nonpalpable Breast Lesions

Abstract

Insertion of a hooked stylet into the region of a mammographic abnormality is a simple method of localization prior to biopsy. The hook on the stylet does not permit movement of the localization device away from the lesion during the interval between placement and surgical excision. A xeroradiograph of the biopsy specimen determines whether the suspected region was obtained surgically.

Needle Localization for Surgical Procedures

“…1 Early localization procedures were performed with a freehand method, which involved estimating the lesion location from measurements made from the films. [2][3][4][5][6] The needle was inserted while the breast was held manually. For increased accuracy, mammographic-guided needle localization was then developed, whereby the needle was inserted under guidance from mammographic images obtained while the breast was maintained in compression.…”