Pre-Surgical Localization
In preparation for breast surgery, your surgeon may request the localization of an area to be removed during surgery. Under stereotactic (mammogram) or ultrasound guidance, the radiologist can mark this area with a thin wire, placed on the morning of the surgery. A portion of the wire will be within the breast, and a portion will be visible from outside of the breast. The surgeon will follow the visible portion of the wire into the breast to find the area that needs to be removed.
Image-Guided Wire Localization
Radar Reflector Localization
In preparation for breast surgery, your surgeon may request the localization of an area to be removed during surgery. Under stereotactic (mammogram) or ultrasound guidance, the radiologist can mark this area with a small metallic radar reflector clip, instead of wires.
The radar reflector is about the size of a grain of rice. It can be placed in your breast tumor up to 30 days before surgery. The reflector is not externally visible, cannot be felt, and placement does not restrict your movements. The reflector is passive until activated, when safe, nonradioactive radar waves are used to detect it within your breast. In the operating room, this will guide your surgeon to the location of the abnormal tissue that requires removal.