Wire localization biopsies of non-palpable breast lesions: the use of the Nottingham localization device

Mammography is used successfully for early detection of non-palpable breast cancer. Surgical biopsy of non-palpable lesions usually requires image guided preoperative localization. The ideal marker localization device should be acceptable to the patient, easy to place, be secure in position from placement to the time of surgery and facilitate accurate surgical excision while allowing the surgeon to achieve the best cosmetic result. It should also allow for accurate and detailed pathological assessment of the specimen obtained. The Nottingham marker device was developed with the aim of achieving all of these objectives. This study describes the design of the device and reviews the outcomes of its use compared with biopsies using other localization devices. The results show the Nottingham marker device to be successful in 279 of 286 (98%) cases compared to 96% with other devices. We now use the Nottingham marker wire for all breast lesions requiring image guided localization prior to surgery.