Intraoperative localization of occult breast tumours

Mammographic examination of the clinically normal breast can identify some breast masses before they become palpable. In order to remove them successfully, a surgeon requires the help of some localization procedure. The only method recommended to date has been preoperative needle localization under radiologic control by a radiologist. A technique of intraoperative needle localization by the surgeon without radiologic control has been developed at St. Michael's Hospital, Toronto. The method saves time, avoids complications and is very accurate. Because of the possibility that the mass is malignant, the excisional biopsy is performed as a definitive lumpectomy. Of 112 consecutive occult tumours so localized, only 3 required removal at a second operation. Twenty-six (23%) of the lesions proved to be cancer (16% invasive, 7% noninvasive).