Estrogen Receptor Assay Test- Why am I having this test?
Estrogen receptors are proteins that may be found on or inside of breast cancer cells. When the cell is exposed to estrogen, the estrogen receptor signals the cancer cell to grow.
You may have this test to determine if your breast cancer tumor might respond to hormone therapy. These test results can help predict the outcome of breast cancer.
What is being tested?
This test checks for the presence or absence of estrogen receptors on breast cancer cells.
What kind of sample is taken?
A sample of breast cancer tumor tissue is required for this test. This will be removed with a breast biopsy.
How do I prepare for this test?
If you are taking hormone therapy, follow instructions from your health care provider about whether you need to stop taking hormones before your test.
Tell a health care provider about:
- Any allergies you have.
- All medicines you are taking, including vitamins, herbs, eye drops, creams, and over-the-counter medicines.
- Any blood disorders you have.
- Any surgeries you have had.
- Any medical conditions you have.
- Whether you are pregnant or may be pregnant.
How are the results reported?
Your test results will be reported as either positive or negative.
A false-negative result can occur. A false negative is incorrect because it means that a condition is not present when it is. Your health care provider will talk to you about doing more tests to confirm your results.
What do the results mean?
A negative result means that the cells are unlikely to respond to hormone therapy. A positive result means that the cancer cells are much more likely to respond to hormone therapy.
Talk with your health care provider about what your results mean.
Questions to ask your health care provider
Ask your health care provider, or the department that is doing the test:
- When will my results be ready?
- How will I get my results?
- What are my treatment options?
- What other tests do I need?
- What are my next steps?
Summary
- Estrogen receptors are proteins that may be found on or inside of breast cancer cells.
- You may have this test to determine if your breast cancer tumor might respond to hormone therapy.
- A negative result means that the cells are unlikely to respond to hormone therapy.
- A positive result means that the cancer cells are much more likely to respond to hormone therapy.
