Multiple Myeloma - Karyotyping+Fish

Fluorescence In-Situ Hybridization (FISH) test is used to map the genetic information present in the human cell. A FISH test is beneficial for diagnosing certain forms of cancer as it can detect chromosomal mutations linked with the disease. This includes multiple myeloma. It can also provide information to help estimate whether a patient is likely to respond to chemotherapy drugs.

A FISH test employs fluorescent dyes that exclusively bind to certain regions of the chromosomes. The test can detect most chromosomal alterations, such as deletion or translocation. These are visible using a microscope in regular cytogenetic tests too. However, a FISH test can also spot changes that are too minor to detect using cytogenetic testing.

Cancer cells exhibit the following abnormalities during a FISH test:

• Deletion: A chromosomal segment is missing.
• Duplication: A portion of a chromosome has duplicated, causing the cell to have excess copies.
• Inversion: A chromosomal segment is in reverse order but is still linked to the right chromosome.
• Translocation: A piece of one chromosome has split and moved to another chromosome.

A karyotype test, on the other hand, examines the chromosomes using blood or bodily fluids. Adults may require a Karyotype genetic testing for the following reasons:

• Experiencing infertility
• Have cancer or blood diseases
• Have certain genetic conditions in the family

Unborn babies in the womb may also require karyotyping when their parents have a history of genetic abnormalities or if their mother is over 35.

Apollo 24|7 offers a package combining Karyotyping with the FISH test for diagnosing multiple myeloma in adults. These tests can be used to determine appropriate treatments for anyone diagnosed with the disease.

On receiving a diagnosis through the Karyotyping test and FISH test, a healthcare provider generally recommends one of the following treatments for multiple myeloma.

• Chemotherapy: Chemotherapy employs the use of medications to destroy cancer cells.
• Corticosteroids: Corticosteroid drugs manage systemic inflammation by regulating the immune system.
• Drug therapy: Targeted drug therapy specifically targets defects in cancer cells.
• Immunotherapy: Immunotherapy makes use of the immune system to combat cancer.
• Radiation: Radiation therapy kills cancer cells by delivering high-energy beams from sources such as protons and X-rays.
• Stem cell transplants: A stem cell transplant or a bone marrow transplant is a treatment that replaces unhealthy bone marrow with healthy bone marrow.

Most of these treatments can be pretty effective in treating the symptoms of multiple myeloma, such as:

• Appetite loss
• Bone pain, particularly in the spine or chest
• Constipation
• Extreme thirst
• Fatigue and nausea
• Loss of weight
• Mental fogginess
• Recurring infections

It is advisable to consult a healthcare provider as soon as one notices these symptoms. This can help the healthcare provider order a Karyotype and FISH test and quickly start appropriate treatment.