Question

I’ve been feeling a bit off lately, with breast pain, and I’m worried it might be breast cancer. Could you please explain how to interpret a breast cancer immunohistochemical report?

Answer

The binding of antibodies and antigens is highly specific, which is the principle used in immunohistochemistry. First, chemical substances in tissues or cells are extracted as antigens or haptens. Then, specific antibodies are obtained through immunizing animals. These antibodies are used to detect the same antigen substances in tissues or cells. Ki-67 helps determine if adjuvant chemotherapy is needed.