Mammographic In cases where abnormal calcifications, areas of asymmetry, or masses that cannot be felt or seen on ultrasound, this procedure is a way to locate for the surgeon the area to operate, so that the surgeon can proceed to obtain a surgical specimen for pathologic analysis. A mammogram is performed using a compression paddle, which has either a rectangular opening or multiple holes arranged in a grid. Once the abnormality is localized in relation to one of the openings, the skin is prepped with betadyne, followed by a small anesthesia wheal. A needle is placed immediately behind or within the abnormality, checked for position, and then secured with a small wire through the needle. The patient will be sent to surgery with this needle in place. At the completion of surgery, the specimen will be sent to a radiographic facility to be x-rayed, to ensure that the abnormality is indeed obtained in the specimen. Ultrasound If the pre-surgical abnomality is identified by ultrasound, it will be localized using ultrasound as well. After identification, the skin is prepped with betadyne and then anesthetized. A needle and wire assembly are placed through the abnormality, and then secured. One x-ray or mammogram is usually obtained. The patient will be sent to surgery with the needle in place. At the completion of surgery, the specimen will be sent to a radiographic facility to be x-rayed, to ensure that the abnormality is indeed obtained in the specimen.