[Mammography of non-palpable lesions (spot localisation) (author's transl)]

Modern methods of mammary investigation currently enable the detection of tiny-tumours which are not clinically palpable and referral of these patients to surgery at an early stage. This poses a challenge to the surgeon, who cannot rely on palpation as a guide to accurate extirpation of the tumour, but has to rely wholly on the radiological report. A method was, thus, worked out in this department to provide accurate evaluation of the position of the suspect area of the breast to facilitate operative measures and, furthermore, act as safety measure between the time of tumor biopsy and receipt of the histological report. Preparation radiography proves that the suspect area on mammography is identical with removed specimen. The advantages of this procedure are obvious. The surgeon can rely fully on the radiodiagnostic findings and enlist the radiologist as essential member of the therapeutic team. As a result the operative procedure can be finely gauged by the surgeon and the tumour removed with maximum sparing of healthy breast tissue. This procedure has produced excellent results in 35 patients and can be recommended for application to patients with tiny tumours.