CT-Guided Seed Localization in the Breast and Axilla

Area of Science:

• Radiology
• Oncology
• Surgical Oncology

Background:

• Neoadjuvant chemotherapy can render breast and axillary lesions undetectable by standard imaging (mammography, ultrasound).
• Accurate preoperative localization is crucial for successful surgical excision of these challenging lesions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the efficacy of preoperative computed tomography (CT)-guided radioactive seed localization.
• To evaluate this method for lesions not visualized on routine mammography and ultrasound after neoadjuvant chemotherapy.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective review of patients undergoing CT-guided radioactive seed localization.
• Localization performed for lesions in the breast, axilla, and supraclavicular region.
• Radioactive seeds used for precise targeting under CT guidance.

Main Results:

• Ten lesions were successfully localized: seven in the axilla, two in the breast, and one in the supraclavicular region.
• All localized lesions were completely excised during surgery.
• No complications related to the localization procedure were reported.

Conclusions:

• CT-guided radioactive seed localization is a viable and effective method for preoperative lesion targeting.
• This technique is particularly useful when mammography or sonography is insufficient for localization after neoadjuvant chemotherapy.
• It facilitates successful surgical resection of difficult-to-visualize breast and axillary malignancies.