Breast Cancer Panel Immunohistochemistry Biopsy Tissue

Breast cancer panel immunohistochemistry biopsy tissue is a special test performed on women to diagnose breast cancer. This test is also useful in planning the treatment for breast cancer.

What is the importance of Immunohistochemistry?

Immunohistochemistry (ICH) is a test used for detecting specific molecules on cells. This test is a technique which uses antibodies matching molecules that can identify and attach themselves to these makers on the cells. The antibodies are designed in such a way to work with tags that can be seen or detected under a microscope. Immunohistochemistry has many applications in the medical field, especially in cancer diagnosis. In this test breast cancer tissue removed during the biopsy is subjected to the staining process. This shows whether or not the cancer cells have HER2 receptors or hormone receptors on their surface. This information plays a critical role in treatment planning.

What is breast cancer?

Breast cancer is the growth of tumors in the breast. These tumors arise from the uncontrolled growth of cells in the breast. They are mostly formed in the ducts which transport milk to the nipple during lactation (breastfeeding) or in the lobules, the glands which produce milk. There are different types of breast cancers and each of them has its own characteristics. Some of them grow slowly while others can be rapidly developing. These characteristics of each cancer may affect the treatment preferences and also the chances of cancer to recur. The chances of developing breast cancer can be at any age but women with older age at increased risk. Other than the age risk factors of breast cancer include women who did not have children, who had cancer in the other breast, who had their first child at the age of 30, women with a family history (mother, sister, grandmother, aunt, etc) of breast cancer, with inherited mutation in breast cancer genes. The symptoms of breast cancer are breast swelling, breast pain, change in the size or appearance or shape of the breasts, swelling of lymph nodes, lumps in the underarms, lumps in the breast, breast skin dimpling, reddening or thickening, nipple retraction, pigmented, peeling, scaling or flaking skin in the area around the nipple, etc. mostly lumps found in the breast are non-cancerous but are benign. The signs and symptoms associated with breast cancer may be due to other causes.

Why this test is performed?

This test may be recommended to you if you experience symptoms of breast cancer like lumps found in the breast, skin on the breast dimpling, reddening or thickening, nipple retraction, breast swelling or pain, nipple pain, discharge from nipples, swollen lymph nodes, lumps in underarms, peeling or scaling or flaking or pigmented skin in the area around the nipple, changes in the shape or appearance or size of the breast, etc. This test may be recommended to you to plan the treatment according to your the results.

No specific preparation is required for this test.