Breast localization is a way to mark abnormal breast tissue before a surgery to help your surgeon easily find the tissue they need to remove.

The procedure is done during a mammogram, which helps your doctor see the abnormal tissue. After they find the tissue, you'll get a local anesthetic to numb the area, and the doctor will insert a needle with a thin wire into your breast. Once they make sure the needle is in the correct area, they'll remove the needle and leave the wire in your breast. The surgeon will then use the wire to find abnormal tissue during your breast surgery.