When you or someone you know is talking about breast cancer, you've probably heard doctors talk about various tests. Sometimes these words can seem a little complicated. Today we're going to talk about a special injection used for such a test. This is not a treatment, but it can help your doctor choose the treatment that's best for you.
Simply put, what is Fluoroestradiol F 18?
Okay, this name sounds a bit long, doesn't it? Let's keep it simple. Although Fluoroestradiol F 18 is a drug, it is not something that is given to cure cancer. It works like a "detection agent" . Simply put, it is like a slightly radioactive "dye" that is injected into the body before a special ``(PET Scan)`` is done.
" Oh, is it radioactive?" you might think. Not at all. This uses a very small, safe amount of radioactive material. It leaves the body within a few hours. The main purpose of this is to show the doctor exactly what the nature of your breast cancer cells is. That is, to find out whether or not those cancer cells use a hormone called ``(Oestrogen)`` to grow.
How does this work? It's amazing!
To understand this, let's take a small example. Think of some cancer cells as doors with lots of "little locks that you can put a key in." These locks are called "estrogen receptors" (or "ER") . The estrogen hormone in our body is like the "key" that fits these locks. When this key is put in the lock, that is, when the estrogen hormone binds to the lock of the cancer cell, the cancer cell receives a signal to grow and divide. We call such cancers `(ER-positive)` cancers.
Now, do you know what's in the `Fluoroestradiol F 18` injection that we give? It contains a ``fake key'' that looks exactly like the estrogen key. But this fake key has a little something special. It has a radioactive part called ``F 18`` attached to it, which works like a ``little light bulb.''
When you are given this injection, these "fake keys with light bulbs attached" travel throughout the body through the blood, and attach to all the "locks" (`Estrogen Receptors`) on those cancer cells.
Then, about an hour later, you'll be put into a ``PET Scan'' machine. This scanner is like a special camera that can detect the light coming from those "electric bubbles." When you look at it with this camera, if there are those ``ER-positive'' cancer cells anywhere in the body, they'll all glow beautifully.
Through this method, the doctor can very accurately determine where the cancer is, whether it has spread to other parts of the body, and most importantly, whether it is an ER-positive type of cancer.
Why do you need this test?
Usually, when breast cancer is suspected, the doctor takes a small piece of the tumor and performs a test. This is called a ``biopsy.'' This can determine the type of cancer.
But there are some cases where this `Fluoroestradiol F 18` test is very useful.
- When you want to know exactly whether the cancer has spread to other parts of the body (metastasis).
- When there is a suspicion that a previously treated cancer has come back.
- If there is cancer in a place that is difficult to perform a biopsy.
- Make sure the cancer is responding to the current hormonal treatments.
Based on this information, your doctor will be able to determine whether or not treatments such as hormone therapy are appropriate for you.
Things you need to tell your doctor before giving this vaccine
This is very important. Before you are given this vaccine, your medical team will ask you a few questions. It is essential for your safety that you answer all of them truthfully.
- Allergies: If you have any allergies to this `Fluoroestradiol F 18` or any other medicine, food, or dye, be sure to tell us about it.
- Pregnancy: If you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant, you should definitely tell your doctor. This is because a small amount of radiation is used, which is not safe for the baby in the womb.
- If you are a breastfeeding mother: You should also tell your doctor if you are breastfeeding. You may be advised to stop breastfeeding for a few hours or a day after receiving this vaccine.
- Other medications you are taking: If you are taking medication for breast cancer or any other condition, tell your doctor about all of the medications you are taking, especially hormone-related medications.
| Some medications may interact with this medicine. |
|---|
There are some medications that can affect the results of this test. If you are taking any of these medications, tell your doctor. He or she will tell you if you need to stop taking them for a few days before the test. Some examples are:
|
| Note: This list is not exhaustive. Tell your doctor about any medications, vitamins, or even traditional medicines you are taking. |
Are there any side effects?
As with any medical procedure, there is a possibility of minor side effects, but they are very rare and not serious.
| Side effect | What should you do? |
|---|---|
| Things to report to your medical team immediately | |
Severe allergic reactions
| These are very rare but can be serious. If you experience any of these symptoms, tell your doctor or nurse immediately . |
| Things that are usually not serious, but should be reported if they persist | |
| Change in taste in the mouth | This usually goes away after a while. If it persists, tell your doctor. |
| Pain, redness, or swelling where the injection was given | This also usually resolves on its own. If the pain or swelling increases, notify the medical team. |
What to do if the medication dose increases?
This is not a medicine that you can use at home. This vaccine is given in a hospital or clinic by trained medical staff. Therefore, the chance of getting the wrong dose is very low. If you think this has happened, even in the rare case, go to the ETU (Emergency Treatment Unit) immediately. If necessary, you can also call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital for advice.
Take-Home Message
- `Fluoroestradiol F 18` is not a treatment for cancer. It is an injection used in a special test that helps diagnose the nature of breast cancer.
- This mainly looks at whether your cancer cells are ``Estrogen Receptor-Positive'' (ER-positive) , meaning whether the hormone estrogen helps the cancer grow.
- This information is very important for your doctor to determine the most suitable treatment for you, especially hormone therapy.
- This is very safe because it is given under medical supervision in a hospital. Side effects are very rare.
- Before the test, be sure to inform the doctor about all your allergies, pregnancy, and any other medications you are taking.
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