X-ray Guided Wire Localisation of the Breast
Date issued: November 2025
Review date: November 2027
Leaflet section: Breast Care
PDF: X-ray Guided Wire Localisation of the Breast.pdf [pdf] 141KB
West Devon and East Cornwall Breast Screening Service
You have been advised that you need a wire localisation of an abnormal area within your breast before surgery. This leaflet may help to answer some of your questions.
What is a Wire Localisation?
It is a wire inserted into your breast to mark the area of abnormal tissue. The Radiologist uses mammograms 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 a wire before surgery. During the operation the surgeon will follow the wire and remove the tissue around it, together with the wire.
How is it done?
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The procedure is usually performed on the morning of the surgery, so that the wire is in position for the shortest possible time. It is done in a mammography room.
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You will be lying on your front during the procedure.
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The equipment is the same as that used during your biopsy.
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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 wire is to be placed.
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A fine needle containing the wire 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 wire is left secure in your breast. Approximately 3-4 inches of wire shows on the outside. A cover is usually placed over the wire to protect it.
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You will return to the ward before the operation. The operation may be AM or PM.
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Your operation is usually performed under general anaesthesia. The wire 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
