Imaging of carbon granulomas of the breast following carbon track localization

Three cases of carbon granuloma are described following the instillation of carbon solution at the time of stereotactic fine needle aspiration for pre-operative localization of impalpable mammographic abnormalities. If the carbon track is not excised following carbon instillation the retained carbon may result in a granuloma. This may present as a new mass on subsequent clinical or mammographic follow-up.