What is the purpose of preoperative needle wire localization?

• A. To guide the surgeon for a non-palpable breast lesion
• B. To deliver chemotherapy to the lesion
• C. To perform radiation therapy planning
• D. To treat infection at the biopsy site

Answer: (A)

Localization of a nonpalpable breast lesion for surgical removal is the goal of preoperative needle wire localization. A radiologist places a fine wire into or near the target lesion under imaging guidance so the wire remains connected to the skin surface. This marks the exact area the surgeon needs to remove during breast-conserving surgery, allowing precise excision with adequate margins while preserving as much normal breast tissue as possible. It is specifically used to guide the surgeon when the lesion cannot be felt by touch, rather than for delivering chemotherapy, planning radiotherapy, or treating infection.