Technique and guidelines for needle localization biopsy of nonpalpable lesions of the breast.

The advances made in mammography, including its accuracy, safety and publicity, will lead to an increasing number of biopsies of the breast after needle localization. The surgeon must carefully evaluate the mammograms and orient the location of the tip of the wire with respect to the mammographic abnormality and the exact location within the breast. The technique described has been used in more than 600 instances. It has led to the detection of cancer in 20 per cent of nonpalpable suspicious mammographic findings. It is well tolerated, readily accomplished, cost effective and accurate.