Carbon localisation of impalpable mammographic abnormalities.

A prospective study was undertaken to assess the usefulness, safety and cost-effectiveness of stereotactically guided carbon localisation of impalpable breast lesions. Fifty six lesions in 53 patients were localised by this method, some in combination with fine-needle aspiration and hookwire localisation. Some modification of the study was required due to ready acceptance of the technique by surgeons, who preferred carbon to hookwire localisation. The technique was proven to be safe and accurate, and highly acceptable to patients, referring clinicians and radiology staff. It is now the preferred procedure for localising impalpable breast lesions prior to excision biopsy.