Effectiveness of Carbon Localization for Invasive Breast Cancer: An Institutional Experience

Figure 1

Procedural aspects of ultrasound-guided carbon localization of breast cancer lesions. The breast cancer (BC) lesion is first identified with the ultrasound (US) probe (a), and the dimensions of the tumor as well as the distance of the tumor to the skin and the position in relation to the nipple are measured (b). A syringe with an 18-gauge needle is inserted vertically (a) around the lesion usually with freehand US guidance (c), and approximately 1 mL of sterile 4% charcoal suspension is slowly injected, while the needle is withdrawn towards the skin entry point (d, f, g). Care is taken to avoid excessive carbon injection (g) just under the skin and unnecessary residual skin tattooing (h). A schematic representation (d) of the BC lesion and trace marking is made and added to the radiological report.