HER2 Test For Breast Cancer Explained in Detail

The HER2 test is a diagnostic test that determines the presence and activity of HER2 protein receptors, aiding in the diagnosis and treatment planning for certain types of breast cancer.

 

HER2 Test

Here are the basic details for the HER2 Test.

Also Known As	Human Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor 2 Test
Type	Biopsy
Purpose	Check presence of HER2 protein receptors
Sample Type	Tissue
Preparation	No Special Preparation Required
Fasting	No
Gender	Female
Age-Group	Adult
Normal Value	Negative
Reporting Time	8 - 10 days
Cost	1000 - 1950 INR*

*Price range may vary as per location, lab type, and procedure of lab test.

 

HER2 Test Full Form

The full form of HER2 Test is Human Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor 2 Test.

 

HER2 Test Means

HER2 Test Determines the presence and activity of HER2 protein receptors.

• Assists in diagnosing and determining treatment options for certain types of breast cancer.
• Guides targeted therapy decisions for HER2-positive breast cancer.
• Helps predict disease prognosis and recurrence risk.
• Monitors response to HER2-targeted treatments.
  
  

Interesting Facts About HER2 protein receptors

• HER2 protein receptors are found on breast cells.
• HER2 overexpression is associated with aggressive breast cancer.
• Targeted therapies like Herceptin can inhibit HER2 activity.

 

HER2 Test Purpose

Here is the basic purpose of the HER2 Test.

• Determines the presence and activity of HER2 protein receptors.
• Assists in diagnosing certain types of breast cancer.
• Guides treatment decisions for HER2-positive breast cancer.
• Predicts disease prognosis and recurrence risk.
• Monitors response to HER2-targeted treatments.

 

 

HER2 Test Preparation

Here is the essential preparation for the HER2 Test.

 

Before Test

• Follow any fasting instructions provided by your doctor.
• Inform your doctor about any medications or supplements you are taking.
• Provide relevant medical history, including previous HER2 test results.

 

During Test

• Cooperate with the healthcare professional conducting the test.
• Provide a tissue sample, usually through a biopsy or surgery.
• Remain calm and relaxed during the procedure.

 

After Test

• Resume normal activities.
• Follow any post-procedure instructions given by your doctor.
• Await the test results and discuss them with your doctor.
  
  

Short Summary

Prepare for the HER2 test by following instructions, cooperate during the procedure, and discuss the results with your doctor.

 

HER2 Test Procedure

Here is the basic procedure of the HER2 Test.

• Tissue samples are collected, usually from a biopsy.
• The samples are preserved and prepared for testing.
• The tissue is analyzed in a laboratory using specialized techniques.
• The presence and activity of HER2 protein receptors are determined.
• The test results are interpreted by a healthcare provider.

 

HER2 Test Result

HER2 test is performed to determine the presence or overexpression of the HER2 protein in breast cancer cells.

• HER2-positive result indicates that there is an overexpression of HER2 protein, which can lead to more aggressive tumor growth.
• HER2-negative result indicates the absence or low levels of HER2 protein, which is associated with a better prognosis and response to certain treatments.

 

HER2 Test Report

HER2 Test Report PDF

 

HER2 Test Normal Report

HER2 Normal Test Report PDF Format

HER2 Test Normal Result Report PDF

 

HER2 Test Positive Abnormal Report

HER2 Abnormal Test Positive Report PDF Format

HER2 Test Abnormal Result Report PDF

 

HER2 Test Normal Range

Here is the normal range for the HER2 test.

HER2 Expression Level	Interpretation
0	Negative for HER2 overexpression
1+	Negative for HER2 overexpression
2+	Equivocal HER2 expression, further testing required
3+	Positive for HER2 overexpression

 

HER2 Test Interpretation

Here's an example of a table for interpreting HER2 Test results:

HER2 Test Result	Interpretation
Negative	HER2 not overexpressed; normal or low expression
Equivocal	Inconclusive result; further testing may be required
Positive	HER2 overexpression detected; higher expression levels

 

HER2 Test Positive Means

Here are potential causes for positive HER2 Test results.

Cause	Description
HER2 Gene Amplification	Increased copies of the HER2 gene in cancer cells.
HER2 Protein Overexpression	Higher than normal levels of HER2 protein on cells.
HER2-Positive Breast Cancer	Presence of HER2-positive breast cancer cells.
HER2-Positive Gastric Cancer	Presence of HER2-positive gastric cancer cells.
HER2-Positive Ovarian Cancer	Presence of HER2-positive ovarian cancer cells.

 

HER2 Test Negative Means

Here are potential causes for negative HER2 Test results.

Cause	Description
Lack of HER2 Gene	Absence of increased copies of the HER2 gene.
Normal HER2 Protein	Normal or lower than normal levels of HER2 protein.
HER2-Negative Breast Cancer	Absence of HER2-positive breast cancer cells.
HER2-Negative Gastric Cancer	Absence of HER2-positive gastric cancer cells.
HER2-Negative Ovarian Cancer	Absence of HER2-positive ovarian cancer cells.

Short Summary

A positive HER2 test indicates overexpression of HER2 protein, while negative result suggests normal expression.

 

Specimen Requirements For HER2 Test

Here are the specimen requirements for the HER2 Test.

Specimen	Tissue
Volume	Small Pieces

 

HER2 Test is Safe?

HER2 test is safe and widely used in clinical practice.

• It typically involves a biopsy or tissue sampling, which carries minimal risks.
• Potential complications, such as bleeding or infection, are rare but possible.

 

When Do You Get HER2 Test Results?

• HER2 test results may take  8 to 10 days to be processed.
• The timeframe for receiving the results depends on the laboratory and healthcare provider.

 

HER2 Test Limitation

Here are some limitations of HER2 Test.

• False positive or false negative results possible.
• Limited effectiveness in certain breast cancer subtypes.
• Interference from certain medications or conditions.
• Requires specialized laboratory equipment and expertise.

 

HER2 Test Risk Factors

Here are the risk factors associated with the HER2 Test.

• Personal or family history of breast cancer.
• Exposure to hormone replacement therapy or certain chemicals.

 

Doctor Recommendations After HER2 Test

Here are Doctor's recommendations or consult a specialist after the HER2 Test.

Test Result	Doctor to Visit	Reason
Positive	Oncologist	Potential HER2-positive cancer
Negative	No specific doctor	No significant clinical implication

 

HER2 Test Price

Here are the estimated HER2 Test Price in India with different top cities:

City	Price Range (INR)*
Mumbai	1000 - 1950
New Delhi	1200 - 1950
Bangalore	1200 - 1900
Hyderabad	1000 - 1950
Kolkata	1000 - 1950
Pune	1000 - 1950
Lucknow	1200 - 1950
Noida	1000 - 1950
Surat	1000 - 1950
Gurugram	1200 - 1900
Patna	1000 - 1900
Chennai	1200 - 1900
Jaipur	1000 - 1950
Ahmedabad	1200 - 1950

*Prices are approximate and vary depending on a specific laboratory or healthcare facility.

 

Summary

Overall, The HER2 test is a safe procedure to determine HER2 protein levels for cancer diagnosis. Also check Drlogy Test for detailed information about all medical tests for patients, doctors, scholers and medical students.

 

Reference

• HER2 - Wikipedia [1].
• HER2 - NIH [2].