PERCUTANEOUS NEEDLE LOCALIZATION OF CLUSTERED MAMMARY MICROCALCIFICATIONS PRIOR TO BIOPSY

Abstract
Mammography occasionally reveals the presence of suspicious appearing clustered microcalcifications without an associated mass. Clinical localization of these microcalcifications within the breast is difficult, even using the 2 dimensional effect of a mammogram. Percutaneous needle localization of these microcalcifications is recommended for its accuracy, patient acceptance, and reduction in size of the biopsy specimen. No complications of this procedure have been encountered.