Purpose: To review results of carbon marking in non-palpable breast lesions
using a different type of a carbon suspension containing 0.5% polyoxyethyl
ene sorbitan monooleate (PSM).
Material and Methods: Sixteen lesions of 16 patients with indeterminate or
suspicious mammographic findings underwent stereotaxic carbon marking. With
the aid of tracing of the carbon stains surgery was then performed.
Results: Pathology revealed malignancy in 26% of the cases and the missed r
ate by carbon marking was 6% (1 lesion). Carbon marking is an easier applic
ation compared to hook-wire systems in localizing occult breast lesions. PS
M added to a 4% carbon suspension results in a more homogeneous suspension,
prevents early precipitation and eases injection. Animal studies have show
n that no local or peripheral tissue reactions are elicited with either pur
e PSM or in a mixture with carbon.
Conclusion: We recommend addition of PSM to carbon marking suspensions.