What is the Estrogen and Progesterone Receptor Status and Should This Test Be Done On All Breast Lump Specimens?

— -- Question: What does the estrogen and progesterone receptor status mean and should this test be done on all breast lump specimens?

Answer:The estrogen and progesterone receptors are really indicators of whether a tumor will respond to endocrine therapy. This test has been done for probably 25 years on all suspicious lesions that are diagnosed as breast cancer, but they shouldn't necessarily be done on all breast lumps.

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