Why is a post-biopsy clip placed in the breast?

• A. To treat the lesion with radiation
• B. To mark the biopsy site for future localization on imaging
• C. To provide immediate pain relief
• D. To increase biopsy yield

Answer: (B)

The main idea is to have a reliable way to locate the exact spot that was biopsied in future imaging or surgery. A post-biopsy clip is a small radiopaque marker placed at the biopsy target so that, after the procedure, radiologists and surgeons can see exactly where the tissue was sampled. This is especially important when the lesion is nonpalpable or may change over time, because the marker lets imaging, treatment planning, and any needed re-excisions pinpoint the original site. The clip is visible on mammography, ultrasound, and MRI, helping guide future localization for surgery or radiotherapy.

It isn’t there to treat the lesion with radiation, provide immediate pain relief, or increase the biopsy yield. Its sole role is to mark the location for accurate future localization.