# Photoacoustic imaging: An emerging tool for intraoperative margin assessment in breast-conserving surgery

## TL;DR

Photoacoustic imaging could improve breast cancer surgery by helping surgeons see tumor edges clearly during operations.

## Contribution

This paper reviews how photoacoustic imaging can provide real-time tumor margin information during breast-conserving surgery.

## Key findings

- PAI combines optical contrast and ultrasound depth for tumor boundary delineation.
- PAI can monitor tissue morphology and blood oxygen levels for high-contrast imaging.
- Real-time PAI feedback may reduce cancer recurrence and improve surgical outcomes.

## Abstract

Photoacoustic Imaging (PAI) synergizes light's optical contrast with ultrasound's penetration depth via the photoacoustic effect. Breast cancer remains a global challenge, particular demanding precise intraoperative tumor demarcation during breast-conserving surgery (BCS). PAI has the potential to address this need by enabling boundary delineation, promoting complete resection and healthy tissue preservation. This review summarizes breast cancer epidemiology and BCS's clinical demands, highlighting PAI's unique advantages for intraoperative use. PAI can dynamically monitor cellular/tissue morphology, blood oxygen saturation, vasculature, and tumor-associated calcifications, generating high-contrast tumor margin information. This real-time feedback enhances surgical precision, reduces recurrence rates, and improves breast aesthetics and patient quality of life. Despite translational challenges, PAI is poised to become a revolutionary tool for optimizing BCS outcomes.