Reasons for Testing
Breast cancer is a type of cancer that develops in the tissues of the breast. Once someone is in remission from her cancer, the main priority is preventing a recurrence. The best way to detect the early signs of recurrent breast cancer is to perform both diagnostic tests as well as blood and tissue samples and tests. The other important reason for testing is that in many types of breast cancer, the cancer cells can reoccur and multiply, spread or metastasize. This means that they may be more aggressive than they were originally. The chances are also high that the cancer may develop in another area of the body, such as the lymph nodes, bones, liver or brain.
Blood Tests
There are specific blood tests that are beneficial for early detection of a breast cancer recurrence. Gene therapy directly related to the lymph nodes of the body is one way to test. Generally lymph nodes in the armpit or those closest to the breast that was home to the original tumor site are chosen for testing. A gene therapy test called a breast lymph node assay analyzes the breast tissue with specialized molecular tools. After a biopsy is conducted, experts are able to look and explore deep within the perimeters of the tissue. They look specifically for various cellular changes or irregular growth that could possibly signify a recurrence.
A mammaglobin test is another pathology test used in the early detection of breast cancer. This is a type of biomarker test that scans for certain proteins in the bloodstream that may carry cancer cells. In order to conduct the test, the patient will have to go through a biopsy of the breast tissue, lymph nodes and oftentimes surrounding tissue areas. The test looks specifically for high levels of protein that may signify the cancer has returned.
Imaging Tests
Imaging tests are some of the most common and noninvasive ways to detect a breast cancer recurrence. An X-ray machine is the most common tool used to detect recurring breast cancer and tumors as it is an affordable test (as opposed to other radiologic imaging). The only downfall to this machine is that it does not give detailed imaging results of particular tissue differences. X-ray machines work well to give a general indication of irregularities when utilized in combination with other imaging tools and localized pathology reports.
PET scan stands for positron emission tomography. This test is performed by using a radioactive sugar substance that is injected into the patient intravenously. The machine then takes detailed pictures as the dye is released. It records how the cells in the breast tissue absorb the material.
An MRI, or magnetic resonance imaging, machine takes precise pictures of the breast tissue. It gives an in-depth scan in order to analyze cell changes and irregularities that may have taken place since remission. The MRI detects new tumor growth and helps oncologists identify any new forms of cancer that may have returned or grown.
