Has anyone heard of or had a HALO exam at the GYN? (TMI-Sorry)

My SIL was telling me about this "new" breast exam that can detect breast cancer. She said insurance doesn't cover it and it cost her $125. She said it's like a Pap test for the breast.

Essentially she said you're hooked up to a machine much like a dual breast pump and they see if any liquid comes out.

She said in 60% of women, no liquid comes out. But 40% liquid does come out. She said if liquid does come out, it is tested for pre--cancerous cells, much like a Pap test.

She had liquid, and now has to wait one week for results.


Has anyone heard of this, or had this done??

Message edited 4/25/2008 9:47:28 PM.

Re: Has anyone heard of or had a HALO exam at the GYN? (TMI-Sorry)

i've NEVER heard of this and I have already had a breast cancer scare and a lumptectomy. my breast surgeon never mentioned this test to me as an option and she is renowned in treating breast cancers and other issues.

i would say if insurance is not covering it, the test is probably too new to know if it's worthwhile or reliable.

if you're at higher risk (mother, sister or aunt with breast cancer) and it would make you feel better, go for it.

otherwise, monthly checks by yourself, yearly exams by your gyn. and an annual mammography by age 35-40 should suffice.

because of my history, i have breast checks every six months and a mammography and sonogram annualy. i am 31.

ETA: i think this test would make people crazy.... liquid can come out of your breast for a variety of reasons.... not so sure i would do it.

Message edited 4/26/2008 1:24:31 AM.

Re: Has anyone heard of or had a HALO exam at the GYN? (TMI-Sorry)

My mom has actually had this done and she said it hurts a lot! It's the "newer" technology to detect breast cancer at an even earlier stage than your regular mammogram.

Basically, if you leak out, they treat it like it's pre-cancerous but as they run more tests it might turn out to be nothing. They just take precaution and try not to let anything slide by them. Sometimes it's more of a wait and see process too. I don't know too much about it but I hope everything works out for your SIL.

Re: Has anyone heard of or had a HALO exam at the GYN? (TMI-Sorry)

I haven't heard of this until now. My Dr. recently found a lump and sent me for the whole 9. This was never discussed as an option. It sounds like it could eliminate a lot of steps and stress. Between the time of my dr. finding the lump and all the various appt's that followed it was 3 weeks of waiting.