Prebiopsy localization of nonpalpable breast lesions

Invasive localization procedures are indicated preoperatively when breast lesions are nonpalpable. Several techniques are available for locating such lesions. In experience with 343 nonpalpable lesions, 27% of the biopsied lesions were malignant. Calcification was present in 51% of all lesions. A combination needle-hooked wire technique was used. Some problems were encountered, the most frequent being vasovagal reactions. The most serious problem was the failure to remove the located lesion in nine cases.