Novel investigational modalities for clinical breast imaging: A narrative review

Abstract

Breast cancer detection is currently performed using the gold standards of mammography, conventional handheld ultrasound, and MRI. However, each of these modalities presents notable limitations: mammography has reduced sensitivity in dense breast tissue; most conventional handheld ultrasound is subjective and lacks quantitative tissue characterization; and MRI involves longer scan times and lower patient comfort compared to other methods. Therefore, exploring alternative breast imaging modalities is essential. This narrative review evaluates three emerging technologies in clinical breast imaging—multimodal ultrasound tomography, optoacoustic imaging, and fusion imaging—focusing on their underlying technologies, clinical potential, and comparisons to current imaging standards.