The purpose of this procedure is to help identify the precise location of abnormal breast tissue for biopsy. This is done by placing some dye and sometimes a small wire at the point of the abnormality.

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.

Before, During and After the Procedure