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What is breast wire localisation?
The placement, by a radiologist, of a very fine wire marker into the breast to localise (or mark) a specific area of the breast identified as abnormal on your mammogram.
Why is this necessary?
This procedure is performed prior to the Surgeon excising (removing) a small area in your breast. These abnormalities can be seen on your mammogram (breast x-ray), but are unable to be felt by your doctor, making it difficult to locate them for removal without this marker.
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Pre Examination |
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This procedure will take 40 to 60 minutes. Please wear a shirt and trousers, or skirt, and bring someone with you to take you to the surgical clinic or hospital, where you are likely to go straight after the localisation procedure. Bring a suitcase of personal effects for your stay in the surgical ward. Your Surgeon will indicate how long you will need to stay in the Surgical unit after the surgery. |
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The Examination |
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There are two stages to this procedure: localisation and excision. We will perform the localisation in our clinic, and you will travel to the hospital for the excision, or removal, of the lump.
Localisation
A mammographer and a radiologist will explain the procedure to you. You will have an initial mammography image taken of your breast. After the radiologist has seen this film, the mammographer will sit or lie you by the mammography machine. When you are in position your breast will be compressed. You will be in this position for a while, so let the mammographer know if the position and / or pressure is too uncomfortable.
The radiologist will prepare the area with liquid skin wash. If you are allergic to iodine, please let the mammographer know at the start of the examination.
After local anaesthetic has been injected, a fine needle will be inserted into the breast and placed near the area that the surgeon wants to locate. X-rays from both the side and the top of the breast will be taken to check the positioning of this needle.
When the needle is correctly located, a fine wire will be threaded through the needle and the needle withdrawn. This piece of wire will stay in the breast to mark the area for the surgeon.
The wire has a small hook at the end that keeps it secure. When the localisation procedure is completed, the end of the needle is secured onto your breast with tape. You can put on your bra or, if you prefer, just wear a shirt or top. The wire will stay in place with normal movement - but you shouldn't swing your arm vigorously. |
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Post Examination |
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Excision
At the hospital you will be shown to your ward where a nurse will explain the surgical procedure.
Following the excision the Surgeon may send us the small tissue sample to x-ray to enable us to mark the area of concern for the Pathologist. The Pathologist will examine the area. The pathology results may take up to five working days before they are available.
Your Surgeon will see you after your surgical procedure and give you an appointment to receive the results and have the wound checked. |
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