Wire fragments after needle localization

Scant information exists on the natural history of a retained wire fragment after needle localization for breast biopsy. We review 10 cases in which wire fragments were present 1.5-11 years after surgery.

Only one patient had symptoms attributed to the retained wire. Position of the wire fragment in the breast remained stable over time. Our management recommendations include early mammographic follow-up at 3 and 6 months to reveal stability in asymptomatic patients and excision of fragments in symptomatic patients.