Wire Localization (Needle Placement)

Wire localization, also referred to as needle placement, is used to identify the exact location of abnormal breast tissue for the surgeon. The wire serves as a marker, letting the surgeon know which area needs to be removed.

What to expect during a wire localization

Using the mammogram as a guide, the radiologist will locate the area of concern, numb the area with a local anesthetic, and then insert a thin wire into the breast so that the tip rests in the suspicious area. The wire is kept in place with a gauze dressing. A second mammogram is taken to confirm that the wire is located in the correct area. 

After the procedure

The technologist or radiology assistant will take the patient to surgery.

Results and follow-up

The patient’s surgeon will receive a report of the wire localization procedure. For questions about the procedure or report, contact the PIC nurse at (907) 261-3607.