IHC - Breast hormone receptor panel

This test helps to identify the characteristics of the breast cancer, which can guide treatment decisions.

This test is performed on a tissue sample taken from the breast during a biopsy or surgery.

No, fasting is not required for this test.

A positive result means that the breast cancer cells have one or more of the receptors and may respond to specific therapies.

Results are typically ready in 5-7 days, although this can vary.

No specific actions are needed before or after the test.

Yes, the results can help predict how the cancer might respond to different treatments.

The test itself is not painful, but obtaining the tissue sample may cause discomfort.

No, the test requires a tissue sample that must be collected by a healthcare provider.

Negative results mean that the receptors are not present on the cancer cells. This information can still be useful in deciding on treatment options.

Most insurance companies cover this test, but you should check with your insurer to be sure.

Test results should be consistent, but they can be influenced by the way the sample is processed in the lab.

This test is generally considered to be accurate, but no test is 100% accurate all the time.

While this specific panel is primarily used for breast cancer, similar tests can be used for other types of cancer.

Yes, men can also develop breast cancer and this test can be used in those cases.

No, the result of the Immunohistochemistry - Breast Hormone Receptor Panel is specific to breast cancer and is not typically affected by other medical conditions.

ER, PR, and HER2Neu are proteins found on the surface of some breast cancer cells. They can influence the growth of the cancer and its response to treatment. ER stands for estrogen receptor, PR stands for progesterone receptor, and HER2Neu is a human epidermal growth factor receptor.

The tissue sample is preserved in a solution to prevent it from degrading before it can be examined under a microscope. The specific preservation method can vary but commonly involves a fixative like formalin.

If the cancer cells express these receptors, it may indicate that the cancer could respond to hormone therapy or other treatments that specifically target these proteins. Your doctor will use this information, along with other test results and clinical factors, to create a treatment plan.

The presence of any of these receptors can influence the growth of the cancer and its response to treatment. Even if only one receptor is present, certain therapies might still be effective.

After receiving the results, your doctor will discuss the findings with you and outline potential treatment options based on the characteristics of the cancer.

Other tests may be conducted to gain further information about the cancer, such as its size, grade, and whether it has spread to other parts of the body. These can include imaging tests, blood tests, and possibly additional biopsies.

Yes, the test can be repeated if necessary, particularly if the characteristics of the cancer appear to change or if the response to treatment is not as expected.

If these receptors are not present, it means the cancer is "triple-negative". Triple-negative breast cancers do not respond to hormonal therapies or therapies that target HER2Neu, but other treatments are available.