HER2-positive breast cancer means that the cancer cells contain a high level of the HER2 protein. The Immunohistochemical (IHC) test helps understand whether someone with breast cancer is HER2-positive. Besides this, many other conditions can be diagnosed with the help of an IHC Test.
Let us know more about the IHC test cost before we discuss it in detail.
How Can the IHC Test Help Detect HER2-Positive Breast Cancer?
IHC refers to immunochemistry, and the test involves collecting a breast tissue sample through surgery or a biopsy. Antibodies related to the HER2 protein are added to the tissue sample. When HER2 is present in the cancer cells, the antibodies stick to them.
A special chemical is added to the sample to find specific areas in which HER2 is present through a colour change. The magnitude of the colour change is used for reporting the results.
IHC Test for Tumours of Uncertain Histogenesis
Tumours of uncertain histogenesis (TUH) present a unique diagnostic challenge. Though they may share certain morphologic features with well-characterised tumour types, their precise cell of origin and biological behaviour remains unclear. As a result, appropriate management and prognostication of these tumours can be difficult.
IHC testing is a valuable tool in the diagnostic workup of TUHs. IHC can provide crucial information about a tumour’s origin by identifying proteins that are differentially expressed by various cell types. Additionally, IHC can be used to assess the biological behaviour of a TUH, which can help guide treatment decisions.
IHC Test for Infections
The IHC test is a simple blood test that can be used to determine if someone has an infection. It works by looking for antibodies in the blood specific to the bacteria or virus causing the infection. If these antibodies are present, the body can fight off an infection, and the test results are positive. There are many different types of infections detected with the IHC test, including:
- Bacterial infections, such as pneumonia or tuberculosis
- Viral infections, such as HIV or Hepatitis C
- Fungal infections, such as Candida or Aspergillus
- Parasitic infections, such as malaria or toxoplasmosis
IHC Test for Neurodegenerative Disorders
The IHC test is a reliable and validated method for assessing neurodegenerative disorders. It helps identify the presence of Lewy bodies, tau protein deposits, or amyloid plaques in the brain. The test is also useful for assessing the severity of neurodegeneration in patients with Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, and other conditions.
IHC Test for Brain Trauma
An IHC test for brain trauma can help doctors diagnose whether a person has suffered from a traumatic brain injury. This test can be performed on a sample of tissue taken from the brain during an autopsy. The test can also be performed on a living person if a biopsy is necessary.
IHC testing works by looking for specific proteins found in the brains of people who have suffered from a traumatic brain injury. These proteins can help identify the severity of the injury and whether it led to any long-term damage.
IHC for Muscle Disease
IHC testing for muscle disease is used to diagnose a suspected muscle disorder. It can determine if a patient has developed a new muscle disorder or if an existing one has worsened. Many types of muscle disorders exist, so IHC testing cannot always provide a definitive diagnosis. It often helps to rule out other possibilities and narrow down the list of potential diagnoses.
Read: How do Pathology Labs Conduct Thyroid Antibodies Test
Accuracy of the IHC Test
At times, tumours have a combination of HER2-positive and HER2-negative cells. This makes it difficult for a pathologist to interpret the results of an IHC test. It is more common in the case of tumours with an equivocal HER2 status.
Due to these factors, the results of an IHC test might be inaccurate. It often creates the need for FISH testing as a follow-up. Inaccurate IHC results can bring the following implications on your breast cancer treatment:
- A false-negative result will reduce the chances of a doctor prescribing targeted drug therapy, which is beneficial for people with HER2-positive cancer.
- A false-positive result will mean receiving targeted therapy drugs without affecting your breast cancer.
Wrapping up
The IHC test cost in India is quite affordable but remember to get the test done from a reliable lab like Metropolis. It will ensure that you receive accurate test results as quickly as possible.