MARQUETTE — UP Health System-Marquette has introduced the Magseed® marker, a technology that helps surgeons accurately locate and remove breast tumors while improving patient comfort. The new device offers a more accurate and less invasive alternative to traditional guidewire localization, enhancing outcomes and the overall patient experience.

Breast-conserving surgery — also known as a lumpectomy or partial mastectomy — is a common treatment option for patients diagnosed with early-stage breast cancer or those with a suspicious lump identified through routine screening. This approach removes the tumor while preserving as much healthy breast tissue as possible, often resulting in better cosmetic outcomes than a full mastectomy. As regular screenings catch breast cancers earlier, more patients are becoming candidates for breast-conserving surgery, improving survivorship and long-term outcomes.

How Magseed® Works

Surgeons use tools to mark tumors ahead of surgery. Magseed is a tiny metallic seed, just 1 mm by 5 mm–smaller than a grain of rice–that can be placed directly into the tumor days, weeks, or even months before the procedure. Once in place, it cannot be dislodged or damaged.

During surgery, a probe detects the magnetic signal emitted by the seed, guiding the surgeon to the exact location of the tumor and aiding in its complete removal. This method replaces traditional wire localization, which could shift before surgery and often causes discomfort or added stress for patients.

“In the realm of cancer marking, our surgeons and patients have unanimously found the Magseed marker to be safer, more comfortable, highly effective and time-efficient compared with traditional guidewires,” said Heidi Henry, MD, a radiologist at UPHS-Marquette. “We can now implant the marker well in advance of surgery, eliminating the need for additional procedures on the day of the operation.”