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What is a needle localization? »
Learn more about why your surgeon may use this diagnostic technique.
Needle Biopsy or Aspiration
The only way to be sure that a breast lump or other abnormality is cancer is by having a biopsy. A biopsy is performed by a surgeon who removes some of the breast tissue. A pathologist then examines the tissue under a microscope to determine whether cancer is present.. A biopsy is often recommended when a breast lump or abnormality is detected by a mammogram or other diagnostic tool.
Types of biopsies:
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Excisional: Surgical removal of the abnormal tissue. This is similar to a lumpectomy. It is usually done on small tumors in the outpatient department of a hospital while the patient is under local anesthesia.
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Incisional: Surgical removal of part of the abnormal tissue The procedure is done under local anesthesia on tumors that are larger.
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Fine needle aspiration: A very thin needle samples fluids and cells.
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Core Needle: A large needle collects small pieces of breast tissue.
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Stereotactic: Three-dimensional X-ray guides a needle to collect small cores of an abnormality that cannot be felt.
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Needle localization: A thin wire is inserted into the breast under X-ray guidance to aid the surgeon in locating an abnormality that cannot be felt. It can be used with surgical biopsy, fine needle aspiration or core needle biopsy.
Waiting for Pathology Results
Waiting for pathology results can be stressful. To alleviate your concerns, ask your surgeon when you can expect to receive results and how the results will be provided (By phone? Who will call?). Be sure to request a copy of the pathology report for your records.
Consider calling the YourShoesTM 24/7 Breast Cancer Support Center anytime at 1-800-221-2141 to talk about how you’re feeling during this time.
What to Expect from a Needle Biopsy
When a needle biopsy (or aspiration) is performed, the physician first anesthetizes (numb) the skin over the lump and then inserts a needle with a syringe on the end. .The physician draws back the syringe, which in some cases fills with breast fluid. This does not mean that you have cancer.
The first step in analyzing a breast lump is to determine whether it is fluid filled. If a lump is entirely filled with fluid, it is called a cyst, and the needle aspiration drains it. There is no lump left and usually no other treatment is necessary. If there is no fluid in the lump, or a lump remains after a needle aspiration, two events occur. First, any cells that were removed are sent to a lab for analysis. Second, the patient will likely be recommended for an additional biopsy procedure.
What to Expect from a Stereotactic Biopsy
The patient lies on her stomach on a stereotactic table that has a hole where the breast is suspended. The table is raised before the breast is compressed and digital X-rays taken. The doctor works under the patient and views the X-rays on a computer monitor to see the abnormality in three dimensions. The computer can then help guide a biopsy needle exactly to the suspicious spot to remove several cores, usually 6-10. Stereotactic biopsies are highly accurate, cause less patient discomfort and decreased scarring, and cost less.
What to Expect from a Needle—or Wire— Localization
Mammography is used to locate the abnormality and a needle, under local anesthesia, is inserted into it. The needle is removed after it is properly placed, leaving a wire sticking out of the breast. Another mammogram is taken to ensure that the needle properly identifies the area to be removed. The surgeon then uses the needle as a guide to remove the abnormality, including a margin of good tissue. The margin of good tissue allows the pathologist to determine whether the entire suspicious area was removed.