Skill Checkup: A 64-Year-Old Woman With a Breast Mass and Back and Hip Pain

Maurie Markman, MD

September 08, 2021

Correct Answer: C. Biopsy

Evaluation of a breast mass is guided by findings on history, physical examination, imaging, and biopsy. Although all of the tests might be appropriate at some point, the triad of clinical breast examination, imaging (eg, mammography and ultrasonography), and needle biopsy can lead to a definitive diagnosis in nearly all cases. Thus, the next test would be biopsy.

Hormone receptor (ie, estrogen receptor and progesterone receptor) status as well as HER2 status are usually confirmed via immunohistochemistry staining of a biopsy specimen if there is evidence of cancer. There are four main histologic subtypes of breast cancer: hormone receptor (HR)–positive/human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)–negative, HR-negative/HER2-negative (triple negative), HR-positive/HER2-positive, and HR-negative/HER2-positive. Determination of hormone receptor status is crucial for selecting therapy.

1 2 3 4 5 6

Next Section

Any views expressed above are the author's own and do not necessarily reflect the views of WebMD or Medscape.

Cite this: Skill Checkup: A 64-Year-Old Woman With a Breast Mass and Back and Hip Pain - Medscape - Sep 08, 2021.

Comments

Commenting is limited to medical professionals. To comment please Log-in.

Comments on Medscape are moderated and should be professional in tone and on topic. You must declare any conflicts of interest related to your comments and responses. Please see our Commenting Guide for further information. We reserve the right to remove posts at our sole discretion.