Definition

The BCL2 gene, the genetic hallmark of follicular lymphoma, is brought under the control of the immunoglobulin heavy chain (IGH) promoter on chromosome 14 through the t(14;18)(q32;q21) translocation from chromosome 18; this leads to persistent overexpression of the BCL2 protein and is found in 85 to 90% of cases. FISH detects this translocation in paraffin-embedded tissue sections at diagnosis at a higher rate than PCR (approximately 96% versus 59%).

Method

FISH analysis

Accepted sample types

Peripheral blood, Bone marrow (heparin)

Description

Prognosis ???.

Inheritance

An acquired (somatic) chromosomal translocation arising during B-cell development in follicular lymphoma cells.

Related Tests

Inheritance Patterns

Describes how a genetic condition is passed on within a family. There are five main patterns

Go to term →

Carrier (Heterozygous / Homozygous)

Why it matters: In autosomal recessive inheritance, when each parent is a carrier (while both appear healthy), the chance of their child being born with the disease is 25% in each

Go to term →

VUS (Variant of Uncertain Significance)

This is the situation where the test has detected a change in the DNA, but the role of this change in the development of disease is unconfirmed.

Go to term →

How to Read a Genetic Test Result (Positive / Negative / VUS)

A genetic test result falls into three main categories

Go to term →

Types of Genetic Tests

A genetic test is a type of medical test that detects changes in genes, chromosomes or proteins. Today there are more than 77,000 genetic tests available.

Go to term →