A needle or wire localization is a procedure used to mark an area of abnormal breast tissue that was found on a mammogram and/or ultrasound. This area of abnormal breast tissue usually cannot be felt by the patient or their healthcare provider. During this procedure, a radiologist places a needle or wire in the patient’s breast to guide the surgeon to the exact location of the abnormal breast tissue. Needle or wire localizations may be done by using mammography or breast ultrasound.
