Breast cancer laboratory tests

Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1] Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Mirdula Sharma, MBBS [2]l; Ammu Susheela, M.D. [3]

Breast Cancer Microchapters
Home
Patient Information
Overview
Historical Perspective
Classification
Pathophysiology
Causes
Differentiating Breast cancer from other Diseases
Epidemiology and Demographics
Risk Factors
Screening
Natural History, Complications and Prognosis
Diagnosis
Diagnostic study of choice
History and Symptoms
Physical Examination
Laboratory Findings
Electrocardiogram
X-ray
CT scan
MRI
Echocardiography or Ultrasound
Other Imaging Studies
Other Diagnostic Studies
Treatment
Medical Therapy
Surgery
Primary Prevention
Cost-Effectiveness of Therapy
Future or Investigational Therapies
Case Studies
Case #1
Breast cancer laboratory tests On the Web
Most recent articles
Most cited articles
Review articles
CME Programs
Powerpoint slides
Images
American Roentgen Ray Society Images of Breast cancer laboratory tests All Images X-rays Echo & Ultrasound CT Images MRI
Ongoing Trials at Clinical Trials.gov
US National Guidelines Clearinghouse
NICE Guidance
FDA on Breast cancer laboratory tests
CDC on Breast cancer laboratory tests
Breast cancer laboratory tests in the news
Blogs on Breast cancer laboratory tests
Directions to Hospitals Treating Breast cancer
Risk calculators and risk factors for Breast cancer laboratory tests

Overview

An elevated concentration of serum alkaline phosphatase is diagnostic of bone metastasis of breast cancer.

Blood Chemistry

Blood chemistry tests measure certain chemicals in the blood. They show how well certain organs are functioning and can also be used to detect abnormalities. They are used to stage breast cancer.

• Urea (blood urea nitrogen or BUN) and creatinine may be measured to check kidney function. Kidney function is checked before chemotherapy is given and may be rechecked during or after treatment.
• Alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate transaminase (AST) and alkaline phosphatase may be measured to check liver function.

• Increased levels could indicate that cancer has spread to the liver.

• Alkaline phosphatase can also be used to check for cancer in the bone.

• Increased levels could indicate that cancer has spread to the bone.

BRCA1/BRCA 2 Gene Testing

Genetic markers, if present, suggest an 80% likelihood of breast cancer occurrence.

HER2 Status Testing

• ERBB2 is a gene that has changed (mutated) so it helps a tumour grow oncogene. It is more commonly known as HER2 (or HER2/neu). HER2 stands for human epidermal growth factor receptor 2.
• HER2 status testing is done to find out the amount of HER2 produced by a breast tumor.