Diagnosis5 min read

Lab tests on the tissue sample

Once the biopsy is done, lab tests reveal the nature of the cells — information that shapes every treatment decision that follows.

A pathologist examines the tissue under a microscope and runs a series of tests. The goal is to answer specific questions: Is it cancer? How fast is it growing? What is it sensitive to?

What the lab looks for

  • Whether the cells are benign or malignant
  • The type of cancer and how closely it resembles normal tissue (grade)
  • Hormone receptors (oestrogen and progesterone)
  • HER2 status — a protein that can fuel cancer growth
  • Whether cells are present in the lymph nodes, when they were sampled

These results give the cancer a profile. That profile determines whether hormone therapy, targeted therapy or chemotherapy is most likely to help — treatment is tailored to you, not picked from a menu.

In brief

Tumour grade describes growth speed
Hormone receptor status guides hormone therapy
HER2 status guides targeted therapy

What you can do

Ask for results in plain language

Your team will explain every result.

Seek a second opinion if needed

Consulting a tumour board or a second specialist is normal.

Keep learning

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