The use of carbon marking after stereotactic large-core-needle breast biopsy

PURPOSE: To investigate the use of activated charcoal to mark the biopsy site and needle track after large-core-needle breast biopsy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Three hundred seventy-six consecutive patients (with 383 lesions) were referred for stereotactic breast biopsy. Two hundred forty seven lesions were carbon marked when the need for surgery was likely. Patients who underwent marking were followed up for the results of surgery or mammography performed at our institution. Specimen sizes obtained by using the carbon mark were compared with sizes of consecutive biopsy specimens obtained after hook-wire localization. RESULTS: Carbon marking was well tolerated in all cases. All 132 surgeries performed at the authors' institution were successful in removing the marked target. Specimen sizes compared favorably with sizes of comparison hook-wire localization specimens. All 68 lesions followed mammographically revealed no changes that were attributable to the use of carbon. Two minor complications were observed. Two small cancers were completely removed at needle biopsy. CONCLUSION: Carbon marking is safe and effective for marking the biopsy site and needle track created by stereotactic large-core-needle biopsy of the breast. Marking eliminates the need for postprocedural needle localization. It remains effective when small lesions have been completely removed. This technique should be considered in properly selected cases by those performing large-core-needle biopsy of the breast.