In breast cancer (BC), axillary staging of nodes has a pivotal role in deciding the management option and aids in prognostication. Before the institution of the concept of sentinel node biopsy, axillary node dissection was standard of care in all BC patients regardless of nodal status. Subsequently, the philosophy behind the treatment has shifted from a radical approach to a conservative and more pragmatic approach. The ACOSOGZ0011 trial that showed the omission of axillary nodal dissection in node negative axillae. Imaging of the axilla for characterisation of suspicious nodes plays an important role in staging axilla. Localisation of axillary nodes before giving neoadjuvant chemotherapy with different available options like clip, coil, radio-isotope seeds, etc. leading to the development of concept of targeted axillary nodal biopsy or dissection. All these nonradical/conservative options revolve around a common goal, that is, to avoid unnecessary and avoidable morbidity associated with axillary nodal dissection.