Photoacoustic integrated multimodal imaging for breast cancer diagnosis: A review

Breast cancer remains one of the most intricate and demanding diseases to diagnose, owing to its diverse presentations and underlying molecular complexity. Recent years have witnessed remarkable strides in breast cancer diagnostics, driven by advances in imaging and optical technologies, each bringing distinct strengths and limitations. This review spotlights the exciting potential of photoacoustic (PA) imaging when fused with conventional modalities such as mammography, ultrasound, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). By exploring these hybrid approaches, we reveal how PA integration can enhance diagnostic sensitivity, boost specificity, and improve the accuracy of breast lump classification. These multiplexed strategies open new avenues for earlier detection, more precise lesion characterization, and real-time monitoring of treatment responses. As we move toward a more refined and responsive diagnostic landscape, this review highlights the critical need for interdisciplinary collaboration to fully harness the power of PA-enhanced diagnostics in clinical breast cancer care.