IHC Marker-C-MYC2 Test: Booking, Price, and Results
About IHC Marker-C-MYC2 Test: Booking, Price, and Results
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Also Known As | C-MYC IHC, MYC Immunostain, c-Myc Antibody IHC, C-MYC Protein Expression |
| Sample Type | FFPE tissue block (formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded) |
| Fasting Required | No fasting required |
| Report Time | 3 days |
| Recommended For | Both genders, all ages; primarily patients with suspected lymphoma, breast cancer, or other malignancies |
| Price | Starting at ₹1,920 |
What is an IHC Marker-C-MYC2 Test?
The IHC marker-C-MYC2 test is an immunohistochemistry (IHC) examination that uses specific antibodies to detect the C-MYC protein in tumour tissue. It is ordered by oncologists and pathologists when a patient is being evaluated for certain aggressive cancers, particularly lymphomas. Also known as C-MYC IHC or MYC immunostain, this test requires a formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tissue block obtained through a biopsy. It is a super-specialised test conducted in a laboratory setting.
What Does an IHC Marker-C-MYC2 Test Measure?
The C-MYC2 test examines two key aspects of the C-MYC protein within tumour cells. The findings guide diagnosis and help assess the nature of certain cancers.
| Parameter | What It Assesses |
|---|---|
| C-MYC protein | A transcription factor (a protein that controls gene activity) located in cell nuclei regulates cell growth, division, and programmed cell death |
| Overexpression status | Whether the C-MYC protein is present at abnormally high levels in tumour cells, assessed as a percentage of cells showing nuclear staining |
Why is an IHC Marker-C-MYC2 Test Done?
Doctors order the IHC marker-C-MYC2 test to investigate suspicious tissue samples and accurately classify certain cancers. The findings support diagnosis, prognosis, and clinical decision-making.
Common Symptoms That May Require This Test
A doctor may request this test when a patient presents with the following symptoms:
- Unexplained swollen lymph nodes
- Persistent fatigue without a clear cause
- Unexplained weight loss
- Night sweats
- Recurrent or prolonged fevers
- An abdominal mass
- Bone pain
Conditions This Test Can Help Detect
The C-MYC2 test can help identify or characterise the following conditions:
- Burkitt lymphoma, where C-MYC disruption occurs as a primary event
- Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL), an aggressive blood cancer
- Plasmablastic lymphoma
- Mantle cell lymphoma
- Double-hit or triple-hit lymphoma, aggressive cancers involving multiple gene abnormalities
- Breast cancer, where C-MYC is amplified in roughly 20 to 30% of cases
- Small cell lung cancer (SCLC)
- Angiosarcoma, a cancer of blood vessel walls
How to Prepare and What to Expect
The IHC marker C-MYC2 test is performed on a tissue sample already collected by a surgeon or radiologist. The preparation steps below help ensure the sample is suitable for testing.
Do You Need to Fast?
No fasting is required for this test. Since the sample is a tissue biopsy rather than a blood or urine sample, dietary intake does not affect the result.
Practical Tips Before Your Test
The following steps will help ensure a smooth process:
- Bring a detailed clinical history, including your symptoms, previous test results, and family history, as this is required for the test
- Bring the original histopathology report and any relevant radiological documents
- Inform your doctor about any previous biopsies and your complete medical history
- Carry a valid prescription from your treating doctor
- Ensure the tissue sample has been fixed in 10% neutral buffered formalin and embedded in paraffin before submission
- Confirm the tissue block is correctly labelled with your name and identifying details
Step-by-Step Procedure
The C-MYC2 test procedure involves laboratory processing of a tissue biopsy. Here is what typically happens:
- A surgeon or radiologist collects a tissue biopsy from the suspicious area, such as a lymph node or tumour mass, in a clinical setting.
- The tissue is fixed in 10% neutral buffered formalin and embedded in paraffin wax to create a stable tissue block.
- The paraffin block is submitted to the Lupin Diagnostics laboratory along with your clinical history and prescription.
- Laboratory technologists cut the block into very thin slices, place them on glass slides, and prepare them through deparaffinisation and antigen retrieval steps.
- Specific anti-C-MYC antibodies are applied to the tissue sections, followed by staining that highlights areas of C-MYC protein.
- A qualified pathologist examines the stained slides under a microscope and records the percentage of tumour cells showing nuclear staining.
Factors That Can Affect Accuracy
The following factors may influence the quality and reliability of the result:
- Under-fixation or over-fixation of the tissue sample in formalin
- Delay between tissue collection and fixation
- Inadequate or poorly preserved tissue submitted for testing
- Quality and specificity of the antibody used
- Antigen retrieval technique applied in the laboratory
- Pathologist's experience in interpreting IHC staining patterns
Understanding Your IHC Marker-C-MYC2 Test Results
Results from the C-MYC2 test are assessed by a pathologist, who evaluates the proportion of tumour cells with nuclear staining. Your oncologist will interpret these findings alongside your clinical details, imaging reports, and other laboratory tests.
| Result | Interpretation | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Positive (C-MYC overexpressed) | 40% or more of tumour cells show nuclear staining | Some studies use a 70% cutoff for higher specificity in predicting MYC gene rearrangement |
| Negative (C-MYC not overexpressed) | Fewer than 40% of tumour cells show nuclear staining | Generally associated with a lower likelihood of MYC gene rearrangement |
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
Staining reliability is directly impacted by the quality of tissue fixation. The best results are usually obtained from samples that are fixed for 18 to 24 hours at room temperature. The pathologist's ability to accurately assess C-MYC expression may be affected by both under- and over-fixation, which can reduce staining quality. The performance of some antibody clones may be affected by the loss of C-terminal protein regions of the C-MYC molecule during formalin fixation and paraffin embedding.
How to Maintain Healthy Levels
The following general wellness habits are relevant for individuals being monitored for cancer risk:
- Maintain a balanced diet and a healthy body weight, as these support overall immune function.
- Attend regular medical check-ups, particularly if you have a family history of lymphoma or related cancers.
- Follow your oncologist's guidance on any further testing or follow-up care.
Lupin Diagnostics IHC Marker-C-MYC2 Test Price
The IHC marker C-MYC2 test is priced starting at ₹1,920 at Lupin Diagnostics. This test requires a visit to a Lupin Diagnostics centre or the submission of a tissue block; home collection is not available for this test.
| City | Approximate Price (₹) |
|---|---|
| BHOPAL | 1920 |
| CHENNAI | 1920 |
| HYDERABAD | 1920 |
| KOLKATA | 1920 |
| NAVI MUMBAI | 1920 |
| PUNE | 1920 |
Prices are indicative and may vary by location. Please confirm the current price at the time of booking.
How to Book
Follow these steps to book the C-MYC2 test online at Lupin Diagnostics:
- Select the test on the Lupin Diagnostics website.
- Choose your city and preferred centre location.
- Visit the centre at your scheduled time to submit the sample.
- Receive your report via email or WhatsApp within the stipulated turnaround time.
Frequently Asked Questions
The IHC marker C-MYC2 test is an immunohistochemistry test that uses antibodies to detect the C-MYC protein in tumour tissue. It helps diagnose and classify certain cancers, particularly aggressive lymphomas, by identifying whether the C-MYC protein is overexpressed in tumour cells.
Detecting C-MYC protein expression has become a key step in diagnosing and predicting the behaviour of aggressive B-cell lymphomas. A positive result may indicate a high-grade or rapidly progressing lymphoma, which helps oncologists determine the most appropriate clinical approach.
Yes. The C-MYC2 test procedure requires a tissue sample obtained via biopsy. The tissue must be properly fixed in formalin and embedded in paraffin before it can be submitted to the laboratory.
No, C-MYC2 test home collection is not available. The test requires a specialised tissue block that must be obtained in a clinical setting. You can submit the prepared tissue block at your nearest Lupin Diagnostics centre.
The report is typically delivered within 3 days at Lupin Diagnostics. Turnaround time may vary depending on the complexity of the case and the condition of the tissue submitted.
A positive result, where 40% or more of tumour cells show nuclear staining, suggests C-MYC protein overexpression. This may point to an aggressive lymphoma or another cancer type. Your oncologist will always interpret the result in the context of your full clinical picture and other test findings.
C-MYC expression by IHC is recognised as an independent prognostic factor in certain lymphomas, particularly DLBCL. It can give your oncologist useful information about likely disease behaviour, though it is always used alongside other clinical and laboratory data to guide decisions.
IHC Marker-C-MYC2 Test: Booking, Price, and Results
