The standard treatment for nonpalpable breast tumours is to surgically remove them. But because these tumours are so small, it is necessary to pinpoint their location before surgery by implanting a marker inside the tumour using mammogram or ultrasound guidance. This procedure is called localization.

The current localization techniques used in Ontario are wire-guided localization and radioactive seed localization, both of which have some limitations. Wire-free, nonradioactive localization is a new type of localization that overcomes these limitations. Two types are now being used at some hospitals in Ontario: magnetic seed localization and reflector-guided localization.

This health technology assessment looked at how safe and effective wire-free, nonradioactive localization techniques to guide surgical removal of nonpalpable breast tumours are. It also looked at the budget impact of publicly funding wire-free, nonradioactive localization techniques and at the experiences, preferences, and values of people who have undergone a localization procedure for the excision of a nonpalpable breast tumour.