Text: Marker of breast masses

• Hossam Moazzami
• October 10, 2025
• 2:59 p.m
• no comment

Marking breast masses: how and why is it done?

Marking breast masses is one of the precise and vital steps in the process of breast cancer diagnosis and treatment. When a suspicious mass is seen in mammography or ultrasound, the doctor uses the marker method (Breast Marker Placement) to better follow it up. In this method, a marker or a small clip is placed in the exact location of the mass so that its location can be easily identified in the next steps such as surgery or follow-up imaging.

Why is markup important?

Sometimes after taking a sample (biopsy), the lump will shrink or even disappear completely, but its exact location must be known to the surgeon. The marker or breast clip serves as a permanent marker so that the doctor can target the exact same area if surgery or additional treatment is needed. This method not only prevents unnecessary removal of healthy tissue, but also increases the accuracy of the treatment several times.

Purpose of this article

In this article, we explain in simple and scientific language what is the marking of breast masses, how is it done, when is it necessary and what are its benefits for the patient. If you or a loved one is going to have a breast biopsy or surgery, knowing how and why the marker is used can help you better understand the treatment process and reduce anxiety.

What is breast marking?

Breast Marker Placement is a safe and accurate method that is used to determine the exact location of a lump or suspicious area in the breast. In this method, using ultrasound or mammography guidance, the doctor places a small marker compatible with the body inside the breast tissue so that its exact location can be identified in the next stages of surgery or follow-up imaging.

Purpose of breast mass marker

The main purpose of marking is to identify the location of the mass to avoid wrong or excessive removal of healthy tissue during surgery. This method allows the treatment team to follow the exact location of the mass at each stage of the treatment path — from chemotherapy to surgery — and perform more targeted treatment.

Steps of breast marking

Marking is usually done after biopsy. First, the doctor determines the location of the mass with the guidance of ultrasound or mammography, and then places a small clip made of titanium or stainless steel with a thin needle. This clip can be clearly seen in the following shots.

Types of breast markers

Markers are usually made of titanium, steel or biocompatible materials. Some of them are designed in the form of spirals, balls or small clips. In recent years, tissue-soluble markers have also been introduced, which are absorbed by the body after a few months.

The difference between markers and biopsy

While a biopsy is done to determine the nature of the mass, the marker is merely to mark its location. These two procedures are usually performed in tandem so that the exact location of the lump is known if further treatment is needed.

When is markup necessary?

Marking is done in cases where the lump is small, likely to shrink after drug treatment, or is located in deep areas of the breast. This method is especially used before neoadjuvant chemotherapy (before surgery).

The role of markers in more precise breast surgery

In breast conserving surgery, the surgeon must remove exactly the same cancerous tissue. The marker acts as a precise guide to the location of the tumor and reduces the possibility of unnecessary removal of healthy tissue.

Marking in ultrasound and mammography

Depending on the type of mass, marking may be done under ultrasound guidance (for visible masses) or mammography (for calcifications). The use of visual guidance increases the accuracy and safety of the method.

Marking after chemotherapy

In some patients, chemotherapy causes the lump to shrink or disappear. By marking before treatment, the doctor can accurately identify and examine the same primary area during surgery.

Permanence of the marker in the body

Metal and titanium markers remain in the body forever but are not dangerous. These materials are biocompatible and do not cause an inflammatory reaction. Patients do not need to remove the marker except in the final surgery.

Possible side effects of breast marking

Marking is one of the safest medical methods. Its side effects are very rare and limited to swelling or mild pain at the injection site. In rare cases, marker displacement may occur, which is controlled by imaging.

Do breast markers cause airport alarms?

No, the markers are made of light metal and cannot be detected by airport security devices. Patients can travel without worry and will not have any restrictions in their daily activities.

Marking in patients with breast implants

In patients with breast prosthesis or implant, marking is done more carefully to prevent damage to the prosthesis. Accurate image guidance is particularly important in these patients.

The role of markers in the targeted treatment of breast cancer

Marking helps doctors maintain the exact location of the lump during treatment. In targeted treatments such as chemotherapy or radiation therapy, the location of the marker is the main criterion for determining the target area.

Difference of markers in benign and malignant masses

Sometimes in benign masses, markers are also used to track changes. This allows the doctor to quickly identify the desired area in subsequent mammograms.

Imaging methods after marking

After marking, the doctor will check the location of the clip with mammography or ultrasound to ensure its correct placement. These images are saved as a reference in the patient's file.

What are tissue soluble markers?

In new methods, biodegradable markers are used, which are absorbed in the body within a few months. This method is especially preferred for younger patients to avoid the presence of a permanent metal object.

Marking in deep masses or near the chest

In cases where the mass is located in deep layers, marking is done with longer needles under the control of 3D imaging. This work requires high skill and advanced equipment.

The role of markers in breast-conserving surgeries

In conserving surgeries, the goal is to remove the cancerous mass without removing the entire breast. By specifying the exact location of the lump, marking provides the possibility of maintaining healthy tissue and the appearance of the breast.

Pre-marker training for the patient

Before marking, the doctor explains the work steps to the patient to reduce anxiety. This work is usually done in less than 30 minutes and without anesthesia.

Care after breast marking

After marking, the patient can immediately resume daily activities. It is only recommended to avoid direct pressure on the chest in the first 24 hours and to keep the needle entry site clean.

Marking in men with breast mass

Although breast mass is rare in men, in suspicious cases, marking is done as in women. This method is also safe and very accurate in men.

Marking accuracy compared to traditional surgery

Studies have shown that the accuracy of marking is up to 98% and minimizes the possibility of positional error in surgery. This method reduces the operation time and improves the aesthetic results.

Marking and radiation therapy planning

In patients undergoing radiation therapy, the marker helps the doctor determine the exact location of the radiation and prevent damage to the surrounding healthy tissues. This method makes the radiation dose more accurate.

The cost of breast mass markers in Iran

The cost of this method depends on the type of marker, the treatment center and the type of image guidance (sonography or mammography). In 1404, the average cost in specialized clinics is between 3 and 8 million Tomans.

Is marking painful?

Marking is usually done under local anesthesia, and the patient only feels pressure or a slight burning sensation. Post-operative pain is very minor and usually does not require painkillers.

The difference between marking and wire localization (Wire Localization)

In the wire method, a thin wire is guided into the breast to determine the location of the lump, but the marking is more permanent, more comfortable, and better in terms of aesthetics. Today, most medical centers use markers instead of wires.

The future of marking with nanotechnology

Researchers are developing smart nanomarkers that can be actively seen in MRI imaging and even release drugs locally. This innovation is a big step in the accurate diagnosis of breast cancer.

Patients' experience after marking

Most patients report that the marking process was painless and very quick. Their peace of mind increases after knowing the high accuracy of this method.

Will markering replace biopsy?

No, marker is not a substitute for biopsy, but a complement to it. A biopsy is done to determine the nature of the lump, while the marker is used to track its location in the future. These two methods together bring the accuracy of diagnosis to the highest level.

Final conclusion about breast mass markers

Marking of breast masses is one of the most advanced medical methods for more accurate diagnosis and targeted treatment of breast cancer. By placing a small clip at the site of the mass, this method helps the doctor to easily identify the exact location of the lesion during the next steps such as surgery, chemotherapy or follow-up imaging. The use of markers increases surgical accuracy, prevents unnecessary removal of healthy tissue, and reduces patient stress.

Why is this transformative method?

Marking can be used not only in women but also in men with breast mass. This method is safe, quick and does not require anesthesia and is performed with video guidance. New technologies such as nano markers or biodegradable solutions have increased the accuracy and convenience of this process. Today, this method has become one of the standard pillars of care for patients with breast lesions.

Doctor's final speech

If your doctor has recommended marking for you or a loved one, know that this is done in order to maintain the accuracy of the treatment and ensure better results. Marker is a small but very important step in the path of breast cancer treatment; A method that can make a big difference in the accuracy, beauty and safety of surgery.

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