Surgical clips on post-operative breast ultrasound

Case contributed by Giorgio M. Baratelli
Diagnosis certain

Presentation

Post-operative ultrasound three years after lumpectomy and sentinel node biopsy.

Patient Data

Age: 40 years
Gender: Female

The two hyperechogenic spots (arrows), with reverberation artifacts, are the metallic surgical clips placed within the operative bed at the time of lumpectomy.

Case Discussion

The lumpectomy site is marked by the surgeon with metallic clips for radiation therapy planning, especially for electron boost irradiation. Generally, 4-6 clips are used to outline the excision cavity.

The clips are visible on postoperative mammograms and computed tomography scanning, while less visible on ultrasound and MRI.

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