Wire fragments after needle localization.

OBJECTIVE: Scant information exists on the natural history of a retained wire fragment after needle localization for breast biopsy. We review 10 cases in which wire fragments were present 1.5-11 years after surgery. CONCLUSION: Only one patient had symptoms attributed to the retained wire. Position of the wire fragment in the breast remained stable over time. Our management recommendations include early mammographic follow-up at 3 and 6 months to reveal stability in asymptomatic patients and excision of fragments in symptomatic patients.