HER2 Positive

I was diagnosed early stage breast cancer last year of february.  I had lumpectomy.  I also had radiation and right now Iam taking tamoxifen.   The Pathology Report shows HER2/Neu: 2+ Positive.   It also says in the report that testing by FISH is recommended.  I haven't done this  test yet.  Do I need to do this?  

[BhumikaMD]

Hi,

All these tests are done to identify the further plan of mangement in breast cancer cases.

Testing for the overexpression of the HER2/neu oncogene can be done with immunohistochemistry (IHC) (which is identification of the gene's protein). The IHC test gives a score of 0 to 3+ that indicates the amount of HER2 receptor protein in tumors. If the tumor scores 0 to 1+, it's called HER2 negative. If it scores 2+ or 3+, it's called HER2 positive.

Females with HER2 positive status generally respond to therapy with Herceptin. But to be sure about the HER2 status another more specific test can be done. FISH is - fluorescent in situ hybridization; that measures the genes that direct the production of the protein. FISH is somewhat more reliable than IHC, but IHC is most readily available.

You should discuss this with your doctor, the eventual decision will be taken by him with your consent , of course, about the herceptin in your case.
Do let us know if you have any more doubts.
Hope this helps.
Good luck.