Your doctor has requested a breast needle localization. Cedars-Sinai has a team of mammography specialists led by Donald S. Cohen, MD. The role of this procedure is to help the surgeon pinpoint the correct area in your breast for biopsy. This is done by placing some dye and sometimes a small wire at the point of the abnormality.
A registered nurse will call you to provide you with specific pre-op instructions 24 hours prior to your surgical procedure.
Please leave your jewelry and valuables at home.
Although we do not anticipate any delay in your scheduled appointment, we recommend that you bring a book, a magazine or a music player to help pass the time while you are waiting.
You will change into a patient gown, removing your clothes from the waist up.
A technologist and a Cedars-Sinai imaging physician will explain the procedure and answer any questions you may have. The imaging physician will explain the risks and benefits of the procedure prior to having you sign a consent form.
A marker will be placed on your breast at the site of the suspicious area that was identified on your mammogram and/or ultrasound.
Mammogram pictures will be taken to confirm the location of the suspected abnormality.
In most cases, a local anesthetic will be used. This will be done with a very tiny needle, and you may feel a slight sting in your breast.
The imaging physician will then insert another needle.
A mammogram will again be taken to check position of the needle tip. If the needle is not at the lesion, the needle will be repositioned and the imaging process repeated.
When the tip is in the correct position, a small amount of blue dye will be injected through it. The needle will be removed or replaced with a wire, and you will be taken to surgery for your biopsy.
Your exam will take approximately 60 minutes.
Your surgeon will give you post-procedure home-care instructions prior to sending you home.
To request copies of your pictures on a PC and MAC compatible CD, or a copy of your report, call (310) 423-8000 and follow the prompts for your selection.
If your exam is at 310 S. San Vicente:
The Marcia Israel Mammography Center is located on the northeast corner of San Vicente and Beverly Boulevard, diagonally across from the main Cedars-Sinai Medical Center campus. The address is 310 S. San Vicente Blvd.
Parking is available in a lot to the north of the building on San Vicente Blvd. Parking is free with validation.
If your exam is at the S. Mark Taper Foundation Imaging Center:
S. Mark Taper Foundation Imaging Center parking is located in Lot P7 at the corner of San Vicente Boulevard and Gracie Allen Drive. Enter off Sherbourne Drive.
Parking is partially validated and validation is available in the S. Mark Taper Foundation Imaging Center lobby. There is a large metal sculpture in the shape of the number "8" in front of the center.
You may also park in the Medical Center North Tower off George Burns Road.
There is a curbside patient drop-off zone on Gracie Allen Drive.
