Aim: Wire-guided localization (WGL) of clinically occult breast lesions is a well established technique. The aim of this study was to evaluate radio-guided localization (ROLL) within the breast screening service of a district general hospital.
Method: The study group comprised 70 women who underwent ROLL under US and stereotaxis. This required an injection of Technetium-labelled colloidal albumen into the impalpable breast lesion. The women then proceeded to theatre, where localization was achieved with the use of a gamma probe. The lesion was identified by the presence of a high signal, caused by the injected isotope. The results of 70 consecutive cases in which a breast lesion was localized using ROLL were compared with the results of the latest 70 WGLs.
Results: All 140 lesions were successfully localized. However, the change in technique from WGL to ROLL offered significant benefits to patients.
Conclusion: Our study demonstrated that ROLL is a practical and reliable localization technique. It can be implemented in hospital units without using valuable gamma camera time. The cost compares well with WGL. There is an improved cosmetic outcome for patients, and the very small quantity of radioactivity used is safe for both patients and staff.