MR Guided Breast Needle Localization
Your doctor has requested an MRI-guided breast needle localization. The purpose of this procedure is to help the surgeon pinpoint the correct area in your breast for biopsy. This is done by placing some dye and sometimes a small wire at the point of the abnormality. At the S. Mark Taper Foundation Imaging Center a highly-trained medical team will oversee your procedure. This team will include an imaging physician, an imaging technologist and a registered nurse.
Before Arriving for Your Exam
You will receive instructions from the surgeon performing the biopsy about your pre and post procedure instructions.
Please arrange to have a family member or friend drive you home.
You will need to wear a hospital gown for this procedure, so please wear clothing that you can change easily.
After Arriving
A radiology nurse or technologist will ask you a few questions regarding your medical history.
Please inform the technologist, radiology nurse and/or physician of any allergies you may have before your exam.
An IV line will be started.
An imaging physician will discuss this procedure with you in detail and answer any questions you may have.
During Your Exam
You will be asked to lie face down on the scanner table.
The table you are on will slide into the scanner. This process usually includes multiple scans, so you will likely slide into the scanner more than once.
The scanner is open at the back and the front, allowing you to see out. The technologist will always be able to see and hear you during your exam.
You will be asked to hold very still and at times to hold your breath.
The exact location of the area of interest is identified and the area for incision is numbed.
The needle is inserted and a wire is placed to mark the area.
This procedure usually takes approximately 45 minutes, and please allow 1 ½ - 2 hours for your appointment.
After Your Exam
You will be directed to the location where you will have the breast biopsy.
Following your biopsy, you will receive additional instructions.
Parking at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center
Valet parking is available in front of the Imaging center from 7:30am-5:00pm.
For self parking, please enter parking lot P4, located at the corner of San Vicente Blvd. and 3rd Street. The entrance is on San Vicente Blvd.
If you are arriving after 5:00pm, please park in parking lot P1, located off of George Burns Rd. between Beverly Blvd. and Alden Dr. The entrance is off of George Burns Rd.
Partially validated parking at a cost of $4.00 is provided to our imaging patients for valet and self parking in the lots mentioned above.
Please Note: We do not validate for parking lots in the Medical Office Towers located at 8631 and 8635 W. 3rd St.
