Stereotactic Seed Localisation of the Breast
Date issued: September 2024
Review date: September 2026
Leaflet section: Breast Care
PDF: Stereotactic Seed Localisation of the Breast.pdf [pdf] 140KB
West Devon and East Cornwall Breast Screening Service
You have been advised that you need a stereotactic seed localisation of an abnormal area within your breast before surgery/biopsy. This leaflet may help to answer some of your questions.
What is a Seed Localisation?
It is an extremely tiny medical device inserted into your breast to mark the area of abnormal tissue. The radiologist uses ultrasound pictures to insert it into the correct position. It is a very accurate procedure.
Why do I need it?
Your mammogram (breast x-ray) has shown an area inside the breast which needs to be looked at more closely. In order to do this the tissue containing the abnormality needs to be removed and then examined by a pathologist. Because the area is small and cannot be felt, the radiologist needs to pinpoint the area with the seed before surgery. During the operation the surgeon will find the seed using a special probe/wand and remove the tissue around it, together with the seed.
How is it done?
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The procedure is usually performed before the day of the surgery to allow the seed capsule to bed in, but in certain instances it can be done on the morning of surgery. It is done in a mammography room.
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You will be lying down on your front during the procedure.
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The equipment is similar as that used during your mammogram.
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An initial mammogram image is taken. The compression applied is less than that during your original mammogram and just enough to hold your breast securely.
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When the position is satisfactory, the radiologist will put local anaesthetic into your breast at the site where the seed is to be placed.
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A fine needle containing the seed is inserted into your breast. This only takes seconds.
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Further mammogram images are taken from two different angles.
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Once the area is located, the seed is left secure in your breast, and a small dressing will be placed over the puncture site in your skin.
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You will usually return home before returning for the operation on a different day. The operation may be AM or PM.
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Your biopsy/operation is usually performed under general anaesthesia. The seed is removed, together with a small amount of breast tissue which is x-rayed to confirm that it contains the abnormal tissue.
Will it hurt?
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The local anaesthetic may sting a little at first but once it has taken effect and numbed the area, there is little further discomfort.
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The procedure may be uncomfortable but not usually painful.
Risks
- There is a small risk of bruising
If you have any concerns or questions regarding this procedure, please contact your Breast Care Nurse.
Breast Care Nurse Answerphone:
01752 431898
Other formats
If you need this leaflet in another format such as Braille, large print, high contrast, British Sign Language or translated into another language, contact the Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS):
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01752 439694
