Mammography, ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), all play a vital role in the detection of breast cancer by enabling physicians to visualize suspicious lumps and other abnormalities within the breast. They are also used to provide visual guidance and direct doctors to the precise location of lumps and tissue masses during surgery. These procedures include:

Wire Localization

Wire localization refers to a procedure in which a wire is inserted through a hollow needle into a tumor or suspicious cluster of cells or tissue in the breast. Guided by an imaging modality such as mammography, ultrasound or magnetic resonance imaging, the risks, preparation and procedure for wire localization are basically the same as a biopsy using those three imaging techniques. However instead of removing tissue samples, wire localization leaves a thin wire in the breast to help guide a surgeon to that area of tissue so it can be surgically removed for examination.  

Radioactive Seed Localization

Radioactive seed localization serves the same purpose as wire localization. Only instead of inserting a wire into a lump or breast tissue, the radiologist implants a radioactive pellet less than the size of a grain of rice, into the affected area. During surgery, a handheld Geiger counter guides the surgeon to the exact location of the seed. That location marks the spot where the surgeon makes an incision (cut) to remove the tumor along with the seed. 

In clinical studies, radioactive seed localization has been shown to be less invasive and more comfortable and convenient for patients. Guided by an imaging modality such as mammography, ultrasound or magnetic resonance imaging, the risks, preparation and procedure for radioactive seed localization are basically the same as a biopsy using those three imaging techniques. Radiation exposure from radioactive seeds is less than from a standard x-ray.