Role of biopsy techniques in breast cancer diagnosis: overview and update

INTRODUCTION: In Italy, over 50,000 cases of breast carcinomas are diagnosed annually, making it the leading cause of female mortality, particularly in low and middle-income countries. Various risk factors, including age, weight, pregnancies, predisposing genes, and environmental factors, influence breast cancer development. Despite increased diagnoses, mortality rates have decreased due to advanced breast imaging technologies detecting smaller, uncertain, or suspicious lesions. Second-level diagnostic investigations become necessary to determine lesion nature and guide appropriate diagnostic and therapeutic pathways, with some techniques involving ionizing radiations.EVIDENCE ACQUISITION: We conducted a comprehensive PubMed review to present novel breast cancer detection methodologies. Recent studies describing various approaches, including ionizing and non-ionizing radiation-based biopsy techniques, were included.EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS: The review emphasizes the significance of innovative biopsies in achieving quicker and more accurate breast lesion diagnosis.CONCLUSIONS: Radiologists must know the potential of new breast cancer detection modalities, extending beyond conventional imaging. Precise diagnoses can be attained by employing carefully selected biopsy types based on case-specific characteristics. Such knowledge empowers effective patient management.