Her-2/neu Test
HER2/neu is a protein found on the surface of all breast cells. HER2/neu plays a role in normal cell growth. It also is found on the surface of some breast cancer cells. This means the tumor is HER2/neu-positive. A breast cancer cell that has a high level of HER2/neu can make breast cancer more likely to grow and spread. Sometimes these types of tumors can also be more aggressive (overexpression). They also can respond differently to treatment than HER2/neu-negative tumors.
You may have the HER2/neu test if you have been diagnosed with invasive or recurrent breast cancer. The test is strongly recommended for everyone when first diagnosed with invasive breast cancer. Determining whether your tumor is HER2/neu-positive helps …show more content…
A blood sample taken from a vein in your arm or hand.
There are two ways to test for HER2/neu:
Immunohistochemistry (IHC). This test measures how much HER2/neu protein is in your sample.
Fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH). This testing method checks the sample at the genetic level to determine how many copies of HER2/neu there are (amplification).
Both are approved methods of testing. If the result of one type is negative or inconclusive, you may have the other method as a follow-up test. Your sample also might be tested more than once to confirm the results.
PREPARATION FOR TEST
There is no preparation required for the blood test.
Follow your health care provider's instructions before having a procedure to remove tumor tissue.
RESULTS
It is your responsibility to obtain your test results. Ask the lab or department performing the test when and how you will get your results. Contact your health care provider to discuss any questions you have about your results.
Depending on the method of testing, the results of your HER2/neu test can be either positive or negative, or they can be given as a range of
HER2/neu is a protein found on the surface of all breast cells. HER2/neu plays a role in normal cell growth. It also is found on the surface of some breast cancer cells. This means the tumor is HER2/neu-positive. A breast cancer cell that has a high level of HER2/neu can make breast cancer more likely to grow and spread. Sometimes these types of tumors can also be more aggressive (overexpression). They also can respond differently to treatment than HER2/neu-negative tumors.
You may have the HER2/neu test if you have been diagnosed with invasive or recurrent breast cancer. The test is strongly recommended for everyone when first diagnosed with invasive breast cancer. Determining whether your tumor is HER2/neu-positive helps …show more content…
A blood sample taken from a vein in your arm or hand.
There are two ways to test for HER2/neu:
Immunohistochemistry (IHC). This test measures how much HER2/neu protein is in your sample.
Fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH). This testing method checks the sample at the genetic level to determine how many copies of HER2/neu there are (amplification).
Both are approved methods of testing. If the result of one type is negative or inconclusive, you may have the other method as a follow-up test. Your sample also might be tested more than once to confirm the results.
PREPARATION FOR TEST
There is no preparation required for the blood test.
Follow your health care provider's instructions before having a procedure to remove tumor tissue.
RESULTS
It is your responsibility to obtain your test results. Ask the lab or department performing the test when and how you will get your results. Contact your health care provider to discuss any questions you have about your results.
Depending on the method of testing, the results of your HER2/neu test can be either positive or negative, or they can be given as a range of