SMIL offers a needle localization exam for the breasts in Scottsdale and Gilbert, Arizona. A needle localization exam of the breast is done when another breast exam shows breast lumps or abnormalities. A needle localization of the breast is a pre-surgical procedure in which a wire is inserted via a hollow needle into the breast to localize (pinpoint) either a mass or calcifications which may not be felt on physical examination.

During a needle localization exam of the breasts, imaging is used to place a needle next to an abnormal area in the breast. Then, in the operating room, the surgeon uses the wire as a guide and can remove both the abnormal area and the wire.

The SMIL radiologist will numb the area of your breast with a local anesthetic and insert a localization needle into your breast, pointing toward the spot that needs to be biopsied. The SMIL radiologist will then take more images to confirm the position of the needle and withdraw the needle leaving the wire behind. One last mammogram image will be taken to confirm the placement of the wire.

Needle localization of the breasts typically takes thirty minutes to perform before a patient goes to surgery.

Learn how to prepare for a needle localization exam of the breasts in the preparations for a needle localization exam of the breasts section.

Find out if a needle localization exam is right for you in the benefits and risks of a needle localization exam of the breasts section.

For a downloadable/printable PDF about this exam with preparation instructions click here.