Preoperative Breast MRI and Histopathology in Breast Cancer: Concordance, Challenges and Emerging Role of CEM and mpMRI

Abstract

Background: Preoperative breast MRI is widely used in surgical planning because of its high sensitivity. However, discrepancies with histopathology remain common and can affect tumor size assessment and treatment decisions. In addition, recent comparative studies have highlighted the growing role of contrast-enhanced mammography (CEM) and multiparametric MRI (mpMRI), both of which may improve specificity and accessibility compared to conventional MRI. Methods: A structured literature review was conducted in PubMed (2000–2025) according to PRISMA guidelines. Studies included if they evaluated preoperative breast MRI with histopathological correlation and reported sensitivity, specificity, or concordance outcomes. Data extraction focused on study design, patient and tumor characteristics, imaging methods, and clinical impact. Results: MRI demonstrates high sensitivity, particularly in detecting IDC and ILC. However, overestimation of tumor size remains a concern, particularly in ILC and high-grade DCIS, while underestimation is frequently observed after neoadjuvant therapy, especially in Luminal A tumors. Tumor size and stage significantly affect concordance, with advanced-stage tumors (T2–T3) showing better MRI-histopathology concordance than early-stage lesions (T0–T1). Specificity remains limited, particularly in DCIS and multifocal disease. Emerging evidence suggests that contrast-enhanced mammography (CEM) achieves comparable sensitivity with higher specificity, while multiparametric MRI (mpMRI) incorporating diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) improves lesion characterization and prediction of treatment response. Conclusions: While MRI remains a valuable diagnostic tool for breast cancer, histopathological validation is essential to guide treatment decisions. Future research should focus on AI-enhanced imaging techniques, CEM and multiparametric MRI to improve concordance rates, reduce overdiagnosis and translate imaging advances into meaningful clinical outcomes.