C-Myc Oncogene Test: Booking, Price, and Results
About C-Myc Oncogene Test: Booking, Price, and Results
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Also Known As | MYC gene test, MYC FISH, C-MYC gene rearrangement test, MYC amplification test, 8q24 FISH |
| Sample Type | FFPE (formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded) tissue block |
| Fasting Required | No fasting required |
| Report Time | 8 days |
| Recommended For | Males and females of all ages with suspected or confirmed cancer, particularly lymphomas and solid tumours |
| Price | Starting at ₹8,400 |
What is a C-Myc Oncogene Test?
The C-Myc oncogene test is a specialised genetic test that examines the MYC gene, located on chromosome 8. It checks whether this gene has been rearranged, translocated, or amplified in tumour tissue. Doctors typically order this test when they suspect an aggressive lymphoma or certain solid tumours. The test uses a technique called fluorescence in situ hybridisation (FISH), which uses fluorescent probes to identify changes in gene structure under a microscope.
What Does a C-Myc Oncogene Test Measure?
The C-MYC gene rearrangement test analyses two key genetic changes in tumour cells. The table below summarises what each finding means.
| What Is Measured | What It Looks For |
|---|---|
| MYC gene rearrangement or translocation | Whether the MYC gene has moved from its normal position on chromosome 8 to another chromosome |
| MYC gene amplification | Whether extra copies of the MYC gene are present in the tumour cells |
| MYC overexpression status | Whether increased gene copies or rearrangements are driving uncontrolled cell growth |
The MYC gene normally controls how cells grow and divide. When it is rearranged or amplified, it can push cells to multiply without stopping, contributing to cancer development.
Why is a C-Myc Oncogene Test Done?
This test is ordered when a doctor needs to confirm a cancer diagnosis, classify the type of cancer, or assess how aggressive it may be.
Common Symptoms That May Require This Test
The following symptoms may prompt a doctor to request a C-Myc oncogene test:
- Unexplained, persistent swelling of lymph nodes
- Severe or prolonged fatigue without a clear cause
- Unintended weight loss
- Night sweats
- Unexplained fever lasting several weeks
- Abdominal swelling or discomfort
- Bone pain
Conditions This Test Can Help Detect
This test helps identify or characterise the following conditions:
- Burkitt lymphoma, a highly aggressive B-cell cancer where MYC translocation is a defining feature
- Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL), the most common type of aggressive B-cell lymphoma
- High-grade B-cell lymphoma, including double-hit and triple-hit lymphomas
- Breast, lung, and colon carcinomas, where MYC amplification has been identified
- Prostate carcinoma, where MYC overexpression has been linked to disease progression
- Angiosarcoma arising after radiation therapy or chronic lymphoedema
- Multiple myeloma, where MYC rearrangements occur in approximately 15% of patients
C-Myc Oncogene Test for Chronic Disease Monitoring
The C-Myc oncogene test has an established role as a diagnostic, prognostic, and predictive marker in aggressive B-cell lymphomas. It helps doctors stratify disease risk and guide treatment decisions. In patients with MYC-positive cancers, the test may be repeated to monitor disease progression, evaluate treatment response, or detect relapse.
How to Prepare and What to Expect
This test is performed on tissue already collected through a biopsy or surgery, so there is no special preparation in the conventional sense. However, sample quality is critical to getting a reliable result.
Do You Need to Fast?
No fasting is required for the C-Myc oncogene test. The test is performed on a tissue block, not on blood drawn for routine purposes.
Practical Tips Before Your Test
Here are a few things to keep in mind before your test:
- Bring a detailed clinical history, including your symptoms, previous test results, and family history, as this is required for the test
- Ensure the tissue block used for testing was fixed in formalin; other fixatives, such as Bouin's or Prefer may not work with FISH analysis
- Note that decalcified paraffin-embedded tissues have a lower success rate (approximately 50%) with FISH testing
- Inform your doctor of all current medications
- Bring any previous biopsy or pathology reports to help the laboratory interpret your results
Step-by-Step Procedure
The C-Myc FISH test is performed on a tissue block in a specialised laboratory. Here is what happens:
- A pathologist reviews the tissue block and identifies the area containing sufficient tumour cells for analysis.
- Thin sections are cut from the block and placed on glass slides, then deparaffinised and rehydrated to prepare them for testing.
- Both the DNA within the tissue and the fluorescent probes are treated so they can bind to each other in a process called hybridisation.
- The slides are washed and counterstained to highlight the cell structures and probe signals.
- A trained cytogeneticist or pathologist views the slides under a fluorescence microscope to count and analyse the signal patterns.
- Results are documented, and a report is prepared, typically within 8 days.
Factors That Can Affect Accuracy
Several factors can influence how reliable the results are:
- Poor tissue fixation or use of non-formalin fixatives
- Tumour tissue that is partially dead (necrotic) or heavily mixed with non-tumour cells
- Low proportion of cancer cells in the sample, which may cause a translocation to be missed
- Polysomy, where extra copies of chromosome 8 as a whole (not just the MYC gene) may complicate interpretation
- The skill and experience of the cytogeneticist in interpreting the signal patterns
Understanding Your C-Myc Oncogene Test Results
Results from this test are reported as positive, negative, or equivocal and must always be reviewed by a qualified doctor in the context of your full clinical picture. The table below provides general reference values used in FISH-based interpretation.
| Parameter | Result | Interpretation |
|---|---|---|
| MYC rearrangement | Negative (intact signals) | No translocation detected |
| MYC rearrangement | Positive (split signals) | Translocation detected |
| MYC:CEP8 ratio | Less than 2.0 | No amplification detected |
| MYC:CEP8 ratio | 2.0 or greater with 6 or more MYC copies | Amplification positive |
A positive result may be associated with Burkitt lymphoma, DLBCL, high-grade B-cell lymphoma, breast cancer, lung cancer, or other MYC-driven cancers. Up to 10% of patients with otherwise typical Burkitt lymphoma may still receive a negative result, so results must always be considered alongside other clinical and pathological findings.
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.
Results During Special Conditions
Certain situations can affect how results are interpreted:
Polysomy of chromosome 8 may cause a proportional gain in both MYC and centromere 8 signals, keeping the ratio below 2.0 even when extra copies are present. This pattern requires careful expert review. Sample quality issues, such as necrosis or insufficient tumour cells, may also produce equivocal findings that require repeat testing or additional analysis.
How to Maintain Healthy Levels
MYC gene changes are genetic events that cannot be prevented through lifestyle choices. However, the following general wellness habits may support overall health during treatment:
- Eat a balanced diet with adequate protein, vitamins, and minerals to support the body during cancer management
- Maintain regular communication with your oncologist for follow-up testing and monitoring
- Prioritise adequate sleep and manage stress, which may help support overall well-being alongside medical treatment
Lupin Diagnostics C-Myc Oncogene Test Price
The C-Myc oncogene test is priced at ₹8,400 at Lupin Diagnostics. This test requires a visit to a Lupin Diagnostics centre; home collection is not available for this test, as it involves specialised tissue processing and FISH analysis.
| City | Approximate Price (₹) |
|---|---|
| BHOPAL | 8400 |
| CHENNAI | 8400 |
| HYDERABAD | 8400 |
| KOLKATA | 8400 |
| NAVI MUMBAI | 8400 |
| PUNE | 8400 |
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 oncogene test on the Lupin Diagnostics website.
- Choose your city and preferred centre location.
- Visit the centre at your scheduled time for sample submission.
- Receive your report via email or WhatsApp within the stipulated turnaround time.
Frequently Asked Questions
The C-Myc oncogene test helps doctors diagnose and classify aggressive cancers, particularly Burkitt lymphoma and diffuse large B-cell lymphoma. It also provides prognostic information, helping doctors understand how aggressive a cancer is likely to be and choose the most appropriate course of treatment.
At Lupin Diagnostics, the test is performed on a formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tissue block. This block is typically obtained from a biopsy or surgical specimen. In some settings, bone marrow or peripheral blood samples may also be used for MYC gene testing, depending on the type of cancer being investigated.
The test uses a method called fluorescence in situ hybridisation, or FISH. Fluorescent probes are applied to thin sections of the tissue block. These probes attach to specific regions of the MYC gene, allowing a pathologist to see under a microscope whether the gene has been rearranged or amplified.
A positive result means that the MYC gene has been rearranged (moved to a different chromosome) or amplified (more copies than expected are present). This finding is associated with certain aggressive cancers and may help guide treatment decisions. Your doctor will explain what the result means for your specific situation.
At Lupin Diagnostics, the report is typically delivered within 8 days. FISH testing involves multiple laboratory steps and expert interpretation, which accounts for this turnaround time.
No, C-Myc oncogene test home collection is not available. The test requires a specialised tissue block that must be submitted directly to a Lupin Diagnostics centre for processing and analysis.
Yes, in patients with MYC-positive cancers, the test may be repeated at different stages of care. Repeat testing can help assess whether the cancer has responded to treatment or whether the disease has progressed or relapsed. Your oncologist will advise whether and when repeat testing is appropriate.
C-Myc Oncogene Test: Booking, Price, and Results
