Imaging Center
Breast Needle Localization
You will need to register at Admitting when you arrive at the hospital. After registering, you will be taken to an outpatient surgery room. When you have been prepared for surgery, a mammography technologist will come and take you to the Mammogram Suite.
Purpose: A Breast Needle Localization procedure is a procedure that is used to assist your surgeon in locating the abnormal tissue that was found on your recent mammogram.
Preparation: Your surgeon will provide you with any necessary preparation instructions for this procedure. If you think you are pregnant, please tell the technologist before your exam.
What to Expect: The mammogram technologist will take an image of your breast using a compression paddle with an opening in the middle. The Radiologist will insert a needle into your breast to determine the exact location of the abnormality. Images will be taken to confirm the location of the needle. A thin wire will then be threaded through the needle and the needle will be removed leaving only the thin wire in your breast. Additional images will be taken at this time. Once the Radiologist and surgeon have reviewed all of the images, the technologist will secure the wire with tape and you will be taken to the operating room.
Post Exam Information: Your surgeon will receive the results of the biopsy and will be able to discuss them with you.
Time Frame: 30-45 minutes
Contact for additional information: Rusk County Memorial Hospital Imaging Services Department at 715-532-5561 extension 244.