IHC Marker - Mammaglobin Test
About IHC Marker - Mammaglobin Test
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Also Known As | Mammaglobin IHC Test, Mammaglobin-A Immunostain Test |
| Sample Type | Formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tissue block |
| Fasting Required | No |
| Report Time | 3 days |
| Recommended For | All genders; primarily ordered for patients with suspected breast cancer metastasis or cancer of unknown primary origin |
| Price | Starting at ₹1,920 |
What Is an IHC Marker - Mammaglobin Test?
The IHC marker - mammaglobin test is a specialised laboratory test that detects the presence of mammaglobin protein in tumour tissue. Mammaglobin is a small glycoprotein (a protein with sugar molecules attached) that is strongly associated with breast tissue. The test uses immunohistochemistry (IHC), a technique that applies antibodies to a tissue sample to reveal specific proteins, helping pathologists determine whether a tumour has originated from the breast. It is also known as the mammaglobin IHC test or the mammaglobin-A immunostain test.
What Does an IHC Marker - Mammaglobin Test Measure?
The test examines a tissue sample for the expression of mammaglobin, a small protein naturally found in breast ductal and lobular cells. A pathologist reviews the stained tissue slides and assesses the following:
| Parameter | What It Shows |
|---|---|
| Mammaglobin expression | Whether the protein is present (positive) or absent (negative) in the tumour cells |
Results are qualitative and interpreted by a pathologist alongside clinical information and other IHC markers.
Why Is an IHC Marker - Mammaglobin Test Done?
Doctors order this test to help identify whether a tumour has originated in the breast, particularly when cancer has spread to other parts of the body and the primary site is unclear.
Common Symptoms That May Require This Test
The following symptoms or findings may prompt a doctor to order this test:
- An unexplained mass or tumour detected on examination or imaging
- Swelling of lymph nodes without a clear cause
- Suspected spread of cancer to another part of the body
- A biopsy showing cancer cells of uncertain origin
- Abnormal findings on a scan that suggest metastatic disease
- Known cancer with a need to identify or confirm the primary site
Conditions This Test Can Help Detect
This test is used to support the diagnosis of several conditions. These include:
- Primary breast carcinoma (cancer originating in the breast)
- Metastatic breast carcinoma (breast cancer that has spread to other organs)
- Cancer of unknown primary origin, to help identify the breast as the source
- Tumours of the endometrium (uterine lining), ovary, or salivary glands, which may occasionally express mammaglobin
How to Prepare and What to Expect
No special preparation is needed before an IHC marker - mammaglobin test. The test is performed on tissue that has already been collected through a biopsy or surgery.
Do You Need to Fast?
Fasting is not typically required for this test because it is performed on a tissue sample. However, follow any biopsy-specific instructions provided by your doctor regarding preparation for the procedure.
Practical Tips Before Your Test
Keep the following in mind when arranging this test:
- Bring your original FFPE tissue block or unstained slides from a previous biopsy or surgical procedure.
- Provide a detailed clinical history, including your symptoms, previous test results, and relevant family history, as this is required for the test.
- Carry all previous histopathology or biopsy reports to assist the pathologist in interpreting results accurately.
Step-by-Step Procedure
The IHC marker - mammaglobin test procedure involves the following steps:
- During a biopsy or surgery, a sample of tissue is removed from the body and preserved using formalin (a fixative) and paraffin wax to create an FFPE block.
- The laboratory cuts the block into very thin slices and mounts them on specially coated glass slides.
- The slides are treated with heat to expose the target protein (mammaglobin) buried within the preserved tissue.
- Anti-mammaglobin antibodies are applied to the slides. These antibodies bind to the mammaglobin protein if it is present.
- A colour-producing agent is added, making the bound antibodies visible under a microscope.
- A trained pathologist examines the stained slides, scores the staining pattern, and prepares a detailed report for the treating doctor.
Factors That Can Affect Accuracy
Several factors can influence how reliable the results are:
- Quality of tissue fixation at the time of biopsy or surgery
- Duration of formalin fixation (the optimal window is 24 to 48 hours)
- Effectiveness of the antigen retrieval process during slide preparation
- Quality and specificity of the anti-mammaglobin antibodies used
Understanding Your IHC Marker - Mammaglobin Test Results
A pathologist reports results as positive or negative, along with a staining intensity score. These findings are always reviewed alongside the clinical picture and other IHC markers. The table below summarises what different results may indicate:
| Result | Staining Score | Interpretation |
|---|---|---|
| Positive | 1+ to 3+ | Mammaglobin protein detected; suggests breast origin |
| Negative | 0 | No mammaglobin detected; breast origin is less likely; other tumour types or additional markers may need consideration |
Disclaimer: These ranges are general guidelines. Your doctor will interpret your results based on your age, health history, and other factors. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for personalised medical advice.
Results During Special Conditions
Some clinical situations can affect how results are interpreted:
- In triple-negative breast cancer (a subtype lacking oestrogen receptor, progesterone receptor, and HER2), mammaglobin shows lower sensitivity, so additional markers such as GATA3 or SOX10 are often needed alongside it.
- Occasional mammaglobin expression in endometrial carcinoma should be considered as part of the differential diagnosis when interpreting a positive result.
- Mammaglobin is more sensitive than GCDFP-15 for metastatic breast carcinoma, but it is less specific, meaning it may be positive in some non-breast tumours.
How to Maintain Healthy Levels
This is a cancer diagnostic test; mammaglobin expression cannot be modified through lifestyle changes. The following general steps support early detection and informed care:
- Attend regular health check-ups and promptly investigate any unusual lumps or masses.
- Report new or changing symptoms to your doctor without delay.
- Follow your oncologist's guidance on the full panel of tumour markers required for your specific case.
Lupin Diagnostics IHC Marker - Mammaglobin Test Price
The IHC marker - mammaglobin test cost at Lupin Diagnostics starts at ₹1,920. This test requires a visit to a hospital; home collection is not available for this test, as tissue samples must be collected in a clinical setting by a qualified medical professional. The table below shows indicative prices across major cities:
| City | Approximate Price (₹) |
|---|---|
| BHOPAL | 1920 |
| CHENNAI | 1920 |
| HYDERABAD | 1920 |
| KOLKATA | 1920 |
| NAVI MUMBAI | 1920 |
| PUNE | 1920 |
Disclaimer: Prices are indicative and may vary by location. Please confirm the current price at the time of booking.
How to Book
Follow these steps for IHC marker - mammaglobin test online booking:
- Select the test on the Lupin Diagnostics website.
- Choose your city and preferred centre location.
- Visit the centre at your scheduled time for sample submission (bring your FFPE block or unstained slides).
- Receive your report via email or WhatsApp within the stipulated turnaround time.
Frequently Asked Questions
This test is used to detect mammaglobin protein in tumour tissue using immunohistochemistry. It helps pathologists identify whether a tumour has originated from the breast, especially when cancer has spread and the primary site is unknown. It is often used alongside other markers such as GATA3 and GCDFP-15 for a more accurate diagnosis.
The tissue sample is collected during a biopsy or surgical procedure performed by a doctor. It is preserved in formalin and embedded in paraffin to form an FFPE block. If a tissue block from a previous biopsy is already available, no new sample collection is needed.
Mammaglobin is strongly associated with breast tissue, but it is not exclusive to breast cancer. Some tumours of the endometrium, ovary, and salivary glands have also shown mammaglobin expression. For this reason, results are always interpreted together with other IHC markers and clinical information.
Mammaglobin is more sensitive than GCDFP-15 for detecting metastatic breast carcinoma, meaning it picks up a higher proportion of breast cancers. However, it is less specific, as some non-breast tumours can also test positive. Using both markers together, along with oestrogen receptor staining, improves overall accuracy.
Mammaglobin shows lower sensitivity in triple-negative breast cancers specifically (below 30%), so it may not be positive in all cases of this subtype. When testing for triple-negative tumours, pathologists typically include additional markers such as GATA3 and SOX10 in the panel to improve detection. Your pathologist will determine which combination of markers is appropriate.
At Lupin Diagnostics, results are typically delivered within 3 days. You will receive the report directly via email or WhatsApp.
No, IHC marker - mammaglobin test home collection is not available. The test requires a tissue block or slides obtained through a medical procedure such as a biopsy or surgery, which can only be performed in a clinical setting by a qualified medical professional.
IHC Marker - Mammaglobin Test: Booking, Price, and Results
