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Breast Wire Localization Biopsy

Definitions:

Anesthesia

The loss of feeling or sensation as a result of drugs or gases. "Local" anesthesia numbs only a specified area. "General" anesthesia causes loss of consciousness (puts you to sleep).

Biopsy

A procedure in which a tissue sample is removed from the body for examination under a microscope to find out if cancer or other abnormal cells are present.

Mammogram

An x-ray of the breast.

Goal of Procedure:

A wire localization biopsy is a procedure that uses a mammogram to locate and identify breast abnormalities that cannot be felt. Localization assists the surgeon in finding the area to biopsy.

Overview of Procedure:

The procedure begins in the Breast Imaging Department. Using the mammogram as a guide, the radiologist locates the area of concern, numbs the area with a local anesthetic, and then inserts 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 suspicious area.

You are then escorted to the Admitting Office. Once you have checked in you will be taken to the Preoperative Area. Once in the preoperative area you will wait for the operating room to be available. This is often a one hour time of waiting. After you are prepared in the preoperative area, you will be taken to the operating room. Once in the operating room the breast area is cleansed with a disinfectant solution. The surgeon will numb your breast with a local anesthetic and you will also receive medication to help you relax and sleep. Sometimes, general anesthesia is used. Ask you surgeon which type of anesthesia will be used for your procedure.

Your surgeon will make a cut in the skin, an incision, which follows the natural shape of your breast as closely as possible. Next, your surgeon will locate and remove the wire-targeted area in your breast. This part of the procedure is called the biopsy. The surgeon will remove the area of tissue surrounding the wire and send it back to the Breast Imaging Department. It is viewed in the mammogram machine to verify that the abnormality was removed. The specimen is then sent to pathology. Sutures that can be absorbed by the body are usually used to close the skin incision. Therefore, there is no need to remove stitches or sutures at a later time. A dressing is placed over the biopsy site.

You will then be taken to the recovery room for 1-2 hours. Once the anesthesia has worn off you will be discharged.

Where to Come for the Procedure:

The wire localization procedure begins in the Breast Imaging Department. This is located on level B2 of the Cancer Center Building. The phone number to the department is (734) 936-6274.

***Please note that the Operating Room may call to confirm the biopsy portion of the procedure and may give you a time to report to the operating room. DO NOT REPORT TO THE OPERATING ROOM ON THE DAY OF THE PROCEDURE. Please go directly to the Breast Imaging Department.

Length of Procedure:

The minimal procedure and recovery time is 5-6 hours. The wire placement takes about one hour in the Breast Imaging Department. The biopsy takes about one hour. You will be in the recovery room for at least one hour before and after the procedure.

Instructions:

Before the Procedure:

• MEDICATIONS: You should avoid taking aspirin containing medications as well as nonsteroidal (anti-inflammatory) medications for one week prior to surgery. Examples of nonsteroidal medications include Ibuprofen, Advil©, Motrin©, Aleve© and Nuprin©. Please notify your surgeon prior to surgery if you are taking Coumadin, other blood thinning medications, or are diabetic. You should review all other medications with the preoperative nurse when you call the day before your surgery.
• Shower or bathe as usual on the day of the biopsy. Do not use any deodorant, powder or lotion on the breast to be biopsied.
• Since the biopsy is to be performed in an operating room, you will be given special instructions about eating and drinking before the procedure.
• You will need to arrange for someone to drive you home after your procedure.
• You may wish to bring some money with you so that you can fill any medication prescriptions you may receive after surgery.

After the Procedure:

• The dressing placed over the incision may be removed the next day. This will be clarified the day of surgery with your discharge papers. While the dressing is in place, it must stay clean and dry.
• You will be able to return home after the procedure. You should wear a supportive bra after the procedure for comfort. A supportive bra will help minimize pulling on the biopsy site by from the weight of your breast. Some women sleep with their bra on the first few nights after a biopsy. Many women return to work and their normal activity the day after surgery. You may need to limit those activities which involve heavy lifting or strenuous arm movements.
• Generally, showering after the biopsy is OK. If a dressing is placed over the site you should ask your doctor for approval. Women should avoid sitting in water up to the biopsy site (such as a bathtub, swimming pool, hot tub) for 7-10 days after the procedure.
• The doctor may write a prescription for pain medication for any discomfort you may have.
• Do not be alarmed if you notice bruising around the area. This is common, and the bruise will fade.

Problems You May Encounter:

Although complications are rare, they can include infection, bleeding, and occasionally fluid collection in the biopsy area.

You should notify the surgical nurses if you develop:

• A temperature higher than 101 degrees Fahrenheit
• Bleeding that will not stop
• Swelling of the breast
• Any unusual symptoms that concern you

Who to Call for Questions:

• If you have questions or concerns regarding the Wire Localization prior to the procedure you should contact the Breast Imaging Department at (734) 936-6274.
• If you have postoperative problems or concerns you should contact the Surgical Oncology Nurses at:

  Business hours (734) 936-7833

  After Hours (5pm - 8am), weekends and holidays, (734) 936-6267 ask the paging operator to have the On Call Surgery Oncology Resident paged.

Results of the Procedure:

• The pathology results will be made available to your surgeon within 5-7 business days. You should contact the office of your surgeon to obtain the results.

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See Also:

• Childhood Cancer Survivors
• UMCCC Clinical Trials

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University of Michigan Comprehensive Cancer Center
1500 East Medical Center Drive
Ann Arbor, MI 48109

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