C-Myc (ALL, NHL) Test: Booking, Price, and Results
About C-Myc (ALL, NHL) Test: Booking, Price, and Results
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Also Known As | C-MYC FISH, MYC (8q24) Gene Rearrangement, MYC Break-Apart FISH, FISH for C-MYC |
| Sample Type | Bone marrow aspirate and peripheral blood |
| Fasting Required | No fasting required |
| Report Time | 8 days |
| Recommended For | Patients with suspected B-cell leukaemia or lymphoma (any age or gender) |
| Price | Starting at ₹4,800 |
What Is a C-Myc (ALL, NHL) Test?
The C-Myc test is a specialised molecular test that detects changes in the C-MYC gene. This gene controls cell growth and division, and when it is rearranged or moved to the wrong position on a chromosome, it can drive uncontrolled cell growth. The test uses a technique called FISH (Fluorescence In Situ Hybridisation) to identify these gene changes. It is ordered by oncologists and haematologists for patients with suspected acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL) or non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL).
What Does a C-Myc (ALL, NHL) Test Measure?
This test examines the C-MYC gene at chromosome location 8q24 for rearrangements or translocations. The table below explains what each finding means:
| What Is Analysed | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| C-MYC gene rearrangement | Identifies whether the MYC gene has been disrupted, which can drive aggressive cancer growth |
| Chromosomal translocations (e.g., t(8;14), t(2;8), t(8;22)) | Detects specific gene movements between chromosomes commonly seen in aggressive B-cell cancers |
| MYC rearrangement patterns | Helps classify the type and severity of lymphoma or leukaemia |
CD31 is naturally present on cells lining blood vessels, as well as on certain immune cells and platelet-producing cells. When it appears in tumour tissue, it suggests the tumour may have arisen from blood vessels.
Why Is a C-Myc (ALL, NHL) Test Done?
A doctor may order this test when clinical findings suggest an aggressive blood cancer. The sections below outline the common reasons this test is requested.
Common Symptoms That May Require This Test
Patients presenting with one or more of the following symptoms may be referred for this test:
- Swollen lymph nodes (lumps in the neck, armpits, or groin)
- Persistent fatigue without a clear cause
- Unexplained weight loss
- Fever and night sweats
- Frequent infections
- Shortness of breath
- Abdominal discomfort or swelling
Conditions This Test Can Help Detect
The C-Myc FISH test can help identify several aggressive blood cancers, including:
- Burkitt lymphoma, an aggressive B-cell lymphoma closely linked to MYC gene translocation
- B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (B-ALL)
- Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL), particularly when an aggressive course is suspected
- Double-hit lymphoma, where MYC rearrangement occurs alongside BCL2 or BCL6 gene changes
- Triple-hit lymphoma, involving MYC, BCL2, and BCL6 rearrangements together
How to Prepare and What to Expect
This test involves collecting two types of samples. The preparation is straightforward, and no fasting is needed beforehand.
Do You Need to Fast?
No fasting is required for this test. You may eat and drink normally before your appointment.
Practical Tips Before Your Test
Being well-prepared helps ensure your sample is collected smoothly and processed without delay:
- Bring a detailed clinical history, including your symptoms, previous test results, and relevant medical records, as this is required for the test.
- Inform your doctor about all current medications and any existing health conditions.
- Stay well hydrated before the appointment.
- Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing that allows easy access to your arm.
- If a pathology report is available, carry it along to avoid delays in interpretation.
Step-by-Step Procedure
The test requires two types of samples: bone marrow aspirate and peripheral blood. Both are collected during the same visit.
Peripheral Blood Collection:
- A trained phlebotomist cleans a vein in your arm and inserts a small needle to draw approximately 3 mL of blood into a lavender-top EDTA tube.
- The tube is labelled and kept at refrigerated temperature (2 to 8 degrees Celsius) for transport to the laboratory.
Bone Marrow Aspirate Collection:
- A doctor applies a local anaesthetic to numb the area, usually the back of the hip bone.
- A thin needle is inserted into the bone marrow space, and approximately 3 mL of marrow is drawn into a green-top sodium heparin tube.
- The tube is inverted several times gently to prevent clotting, then labelled and stored at refrigerated temperature.
- Both samples are dispatched to the NABL-accredited laboratory, where FISH probes specific to the MYC gene are applied to the cells.
- Under a fluorescence microscope, scientists examine the cells for the presence of split or rearranged gene signals.
Factors That Can Affect Accuracy
- Poor sample quality due to inadequate cell numbers in the bone marrow aspirate
- Improper storage or transport temperature
- Delayed dispatch of samples to the laboratory
- Age of paraffin-embedded tissue sections, if tissue biopsy is used
- Missing or incomplete clinical history, which can affect result interpretation
Understanding Your C-Myc (ALL, NHL) Test Results
Results from this test should always be reviewed with your treating doctor, preferably an oncologist or haematologist. Below is a summary of how findings are generally reported.
| Result | Description |
|---|---|
| Negative (normal) | No MYC gene rearrangement detected; MYC-driven aggressive lymphoma is less likely |
| Positive (abnormal) | MYC gene rearrangement or translocation is present; further clinical assessment is required |
A positive result may point to Burkitt lymphoma, B-ALL, DLBCL with aggressive features, or double-hit and triple-hit lymphomas. A negative result does not entirely rule out Burkitt lymphoma, as approximately 5 to 10% of otherwise typical cases may not show a detectable MYC translocation by FISH alone. Additional testing may be recommended in such cases.
Disclaimer: These ranges are general guidelines. Your doctor will interpret your results based on your age, health history, and other factors. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for personalised medical advice.
How to Maintain Healthy Levels
While this test is diagnostic rather than routine monitoring, some general wellness practices remain relevant:
- A balanced diet rich in vegetables, fruits, and lean proteins supports immune function and overall health.
- Regular medical follow-ups are important, particularly if you have risk factors for blood cancers.
- Maintaining good physical and mental well-being during any diagnostic or treatment process helps your body stay as strong as possible.
Lupin Diagnostics C-Myc (ALL, NHL) Test Price
The C-Myc test cost at Lupin Diagnostics starts at ₹4,800. This test requires a visit to a Lupin Diagnostics centre; home collection is not available for this test due to the specialist nature of the sample collection involved.
| City | Approximate Price (₹) |
|---|---|
| BHOPAL | 4800 |
| CHENNAI | 4800 |
| HYDERABAD | 4800 |
| KOLKATA | 4800 |
| NAVI MUMBAI | 4800 |
| PUNE | 4800 |
Disclaimer: Prices are indicative and may vary by location. Please confirm the current price at the time of booking.
How to Book
- Select the C-Myc (ALL, NHL) Test on the Lupin Diagnostics website.
- Choose your city and preferred centre location.
- Visit the centre at your scheduled time for sample collection.
- Receive your report via email or WhatsApp within the stipulated turnaround time.
Frequently Asked Questions
The C-Myc test detects rearrangements in the C-MYC gene using FISH technology. It helps doctors identify aggressive blood cancers such as Burkitt lymphoma, B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukaemia, and double-hit lymphoma. The result guides decisions about diagnosis and treatment planning.
The FISH result needs to be interpreted alongside the patient's clinical picture, including symptoms, previous pathology reports, and other diagnostic findings. Providing a detailed clinical history at the time of sample submission helps the laboratory deliver an accurate and contextually meaningful report.
A positive result indicates that the MYC gene has been rearranged or translocated. This is associated with aggressive B-cell cancers and may suggest a more serious clinical course. Your oncologist or haematologist will use this result alongside other tests to determine next steps.
Double-hit lymphoma refers to a type of aggressive B-cell lymphoma where the MYC gene rearrangement occurs together with a BCL2 or BCL6 gene change. These lymphomas tend to follow an aggressive course. The C-Myc FISH test is one of the key tools used to identify this subtype.
Not always. Around 5 to 10% of cases with all the clinical and pathological features of Burkitt lymphoma may still show a negative FISH result. In such situations, the doctor may recommend additional testing before reaching a final diagnosis.
This test is ordered by an oncologist or haematologist when there is clinical suspicion of an aggressive B-cell lymphoma or leukaemia. It is not a routine screening test and is specifically requested based on clinical and pathological findings.
C-Myc (ALL, NHL) Test: Booking, Price, and Results
