A stereotaxic technique for preoperative marking of non-palpable breast lesions.

A new method for preoperative marking has been evaluated in 56 non-palpable lesions of the breast. With the aid of a stereotaxic biopsy instrument the lesion is located and an aqueous suspension of carbon particles is injected so as to leave a distinct trail from the lesion out to the skin. This trail gives precise guidance to the site of the lesion, facilitating the removal of a minimum volume of tissue. According to current experience, the carbon does not diffuse into surrounding tissues and therefore the marking can be done well in advance of surgery.