Procedure

Once a sample is received, a breast biopsy specimen requires a minimum of 8 hours in fixative (formalin) in order for the tissue to be properly fixed to maintain the integrity of cell markers which might be needed for further diagnosis and/or treatment.

After the specimen is fixed, a pathologist or histotechnologist examines the specimen and dictates a description as it looks to the naked eye ("gross” or "macroscopic" exam). The tissue is then placed in a tissue processor for 16 hours, embedded in wax, cut into very thin sections and placed on microscope slides. These slides are stained such that the tissue architecture is revealed (H&E stain). The case is presented to a pathologist for microscopic examination to determine the diagnosis.

Together with available clinical information and radiological findings, the diagnosis is then provided in a formal overall report and signed by a pathologist.

Fast Turnaround time

It typically takes only 24-48 hours from laboratory receipt of specimen to the issuing of a pathology report. The report allows physicians to manage the disease of the patient immediately.

Breast Tissue Special Stains - Determine Treatment Options

If a pathologist determines that cancer is present, further testing can be performed to determine the molecular profile of the tumor to personalize treatment decisions.

Breast tumors are classified based upon their microscopic type and specific molecular markers (e.g., estrogen (ER), progesterone (PR), and HER2/neu receptors). The presence of these markers correlates with disease-free survival rates and may be used to help determine treatment options.

The process of staining patient specimens for these markers typically takes an additional 24 hours and is called immunohistochemistry. PMI Labs uses DAKO pharmDx kit for these breast cancer markers.