Simultaneous use of an (125)I-seed to guide tumour excision and (99m)Tc-nanocolloid for sentinel node biopsy in non-palpable breast-conserving surgery.

Purpose: In the present study we describe patients with non-palpable breast lesions, in which an Iodine-125 ((125)I)-marker (or "seed") for excision of the primary tumour and Technetium-99m nanocolloid ((99m)Tc-nanocolloid) for sentinel node biopsy (SNB) are used simultaneously. The purpose was to investigate any interference between (125)I-seeds and (99m)Tc-nanocolloid by an in vitro and in vivo analysis.

Methods: Contrast/interference-ratios between (125)I and (99m)Tc count-rates were determined in vitro using a realistic simulation model.