Many different types of cancer are associated with known genetic abnormalities.
And by genetic, we are not just talking about heredity.
Over a lifetime, cells can make mistakes when they divide and grow.
Elif Bayraktar / Getty Images
Mutations in theDNAthat are associated with cancer may accumulate in these cells.
What the Letters Mean
The H in FISH refers to hybridization.
The probe is used to find a counterpart Lego brick, or DNA sequence, in a biological sample.
The F refers to fluorescence.
When it finds its match amongst the 23 paired piles, a fluorescent tag reveals its location.
The I and the S stand forin situ.
This refers to the fact that our red Lego brick is looking for its matchwithin the sample you gave.
Why FISH?
An advantage of FISH is that it doesn’t have to be performed on cells that are actively dividing.
In contrast, FISH results are usually available from the lab within a few days.
National Human Genome Research Institute.Fluorescence in situ hybridization fact sheet.
2016;27(suppl 5):v1-v27.
doi:10.1093/annonc/mdw326
National Library of Medicine.
MedlinePlus.Can changes in the structure of chromosomes affect health and development?
American Cancer Society.Tests used on biopsy and cytology specimens to diagnose and classify cancer.
