Immunohistochemistry (IHC) Test for Breast Cancer

What is the IHC for breast cancer Tests?

Breast cancer tissue extracted after a biopsy is subjected to a specific staining procedure known as IHC or Immunohistochemistry. IHC means Immunohistochemistry. IHC is utilized to demonstrate the presence of HER2 and hormone receptors on the surface of cancer cells. Although IHC stains are used most often to classify cells, they can also detect or recognize cancer cells. The enzyme or dye is activated once the antibodies bind to the antigen in the tissue sample, allowing the antigen to be observed under a microscope. The planning of treatments depends on this information.

When is the IHC Test for cancer done?

A doctor may recommend this test in the following.

• To diagnose tumors
• Specific tumor antigens are expressed de novo or are up-regulated in some cancers.
• To ascertain the tissue distribution of an antigen of interest in health and disease
• To diagnose disease more precisely
• To diagnose breast cancer

What are the components of the IHC breast cancer Test?

IHC consists of markers that are used for prognostic and diagnostic purposes. These markers are ER, PR, Her2Neu, P63, Calponin, HMWCK (high molecular weight cytokeratin), SMA, S100, Ki-67, Cytokeratin, EGFR, E-cadherin (ECAD), Cytokeratin CK7, ER, CK20, GCDFP15, Myoglobin, PDL-1 EMA, MUC-1. These markers are predictive, prognostic, and diagnostic. They are used to differentiate between ductal and lobular carcinoma.

What is the usual range of the IHC breast cancer test?

The IHC test or immunohistochemistry test for breast cancer evaluates the quantity of HER2 receptor protein on the surface of cells in a breast cancer tissue sample and assigns a score ranging from 0 to 3+.

• The score of 0 to 1+: HER2 negative.
• The score 2+ : borderline
• The score of 3+: HER2 positive.

A positive test result means a specific change in the proteins of the tumor. The patient may have an inherited genetic condition, and further genetic testing is recommended.

How is the IHC breast cancer test done?

Breast tissue removed surgically or by biopsy is used for IHC testing. In an IHC test or immunohistochemistry test for breast cancer, the tissue sample is mixed with antibodies that are particular to the HER2 protein. These antibodies will bind to cells that have HER2 present.

Various techniques may be performed to get a sample of breast tissue to give to the pathologists for analysis. These techniques include core needle biopsy, skin punch biopsy, excisional biopsy, and fine needle aspiration (FNA).

It may take 10 Days for the report to come.