Non-palpable breast lesions localization techniques - A new priority: Results of a Senonetwork survey among breast centers in Italy

Introduction: Non palpable breast tumors are increasingly diagnosed because of screening programs, and their localization during surgery is essential to ensure an adequate resection. Little is known regarding which techniques are used in "real world". Materials and methods: A national web-based survey, with a 21-items questionnaire, was conducted among Breast Centers (BCs) in Italy in 2023. Results: Among 153 BCs, 110 (72 %) participated. Wire-guided localization was reported to be the most used technique, regardless of the volume of malignant tumors treated by each Center (N = 36, 33 %). However, newer techniques such as Radioactive occult lesion localization and magnetic seeds, were reported to be employed in 34 (31 %) BCs, and more often among high-volume BCs (>300 cases/year) (N = 32, 29 % vs. N = 13, 12 %; p = 0.02). Logistic problems of localization were reported to cause delays to the scheduled surgery at least once or in multiple occasions in 26 (24 %) and in 4 (3.5 %) BCs, respectively. Although the majority of BCs declared they were satisfied (N = 48, 44 %) or somewhat satisfied (N = 41, 37 %) with the procedure used in their center, responders stated that they would change their technique, or that they were strongly considering this possibility in 24 (22 %) and in 38 (35 %) cases, respectively. The main barrier to introducing a new technique was associated with procedure costs (90 BCs, 82 %). Conclusions: There are several critical issues regarding localization techniques at a national level. This should be recognized as a priority because of its impact on both patients and clinical practices.