IHC Marker - MDM2 Test: Booking, Price, and Results
About IHC Marker - MDM2 Test: Booking, Price, and Results
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Also Known As | MDM2 Immunohistochemistry Test, MDM2 IHC Test, MDM2 Protein Expression Test, MDM2 Immunostaining Test |
| Sample Type | FFPE tissue block (formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tissue from a prior biopsy) |
| Fasting Required | No |
| Report Time | 3 days |
| Recommended For | All genders and ages; primarily for patients with suspected soft tissue or bone tumours |
| Price | Starting at ₹1,920 |
What is an IHC Marker - MDM2 Test?
The IHC marker - MDM2 test is a laboratory test that detects the presence of the MDM2 protein in tumour tissue using a technique called immunohistochemistry (IHC), which uses special staining to highlight specific proteins under a microscope. It is prescribed by oncologists and pathologists when a patient has a suspected soft tissue or bone tumour. The test is performed on a tissue block already collected during a biopsy. It is also known as the MDM2 immunohistochemistry test, MDM2 IHC test, MDM2 protein expression test, or MDM2 immunostaining test.
What Does an IHC Marker - MDM2 Test Measure?
This test measures a single marker in tissue. The table below explains what is assessed and why it matters:
| Parameter | What It Indicates |
|---|---|
| MDM2 Nuclear Staining | Detects MDM2 protein expression in the nuclei of tumour cells. The extent of staining helps determine whether a tumour is likely benign or malignant. MDM2 protein works by blocking p53, a protein that normally protects cells from becoming cancerous. When MDM2 is over-expressed, this protection is reduced, which is associated with certain tumours. |
Why is an IHC Marker - MDM2 Test Done?
Doctors order the MDM2 test to help classify tumours found in soft tissue or bone. The test plays a key role in distinguishing cancerous tumours from benign (non-cancerous) growths.
Common Symptoms That May Require This Test
The following symptoms may prompt a doctor to order this test:
- A painless but growing lump in the limbs or abdomen
- Bone pain, particularly at night or during physical activity
- Visible swelling over a bone
- Unexplained weight loss
- Persistent fatigue without a clear cause
- A limp or difficulty walking
Conditions This Test Can Help Detect
The IHC marker - MDM2 test assists in identifying or ruling out the following conditions:
- Well-differentiated liposarcoma (a cancer arising from fat cells)
- Atypical lipomatous tumour (a borderline fatty tissue tumour)
- Dedifferentiated liposarcoma (a more aggressive form of fat-cell cancer)
- Parosteal osteosarcoma (a low-grade bone cancer that grows on the bone surface)
- Central low-grade osteosarcoma (a bone cancer originating inside the bone)
- Differentiation of liposarcoma from other soft tissue tumours
How to Prepare and What to Expect
Preparation for this test is minimal, as the sample is tissue already collected during a biopsy or surgical procedure. The steps below explain what is involved.
Do You Need to Fast?
No fasting is required. This test uses a tissue block obtained from a previously performed biopsy, not a blood or urine sample, so dietary restrictions do not apply. Always follow specific instructions provided by your doctor.
Practical Tips Before Your Test
Here are a few things to keep in mind before submitting your sample:
- Bring a detailed clinical history, including your symptoms, imaging reports, and any previous histopathology or biopsy reports, as this is required for the test.
- Attach your original histopathology report to help the pathologist interpret the results accurately.
- Follow any specific instructions given by your treating doctor or oncologist.
- Note any prior chemotherapy or radiation treatment on the request form, as these can affect protein expression in the tissue.
Step-by-Step Procedure
The MDM2 test procedure involves several stages, from tissue collection to final analysis:
- A clinician performs a biopsy or surgical excision to obtain the tissue sample. This step happens before the IHC test is ordered.
- The tissue is preserved using formalin and embedded in paraffin wax to create a stable block (FFPE tissue block).
- Thin slices of the tissue, typically 4 to 5 microns thick, are cut from the block and placed on glass slides.
- A specialised antibody that targets MDM2 protein is applied to the tissue on the slide.
- The slide is examined under a microscope to assess the pattern and extent of staining in the cell nuclei.
- The pathologist scores the staining and issues a report, which is typically ready within 3 days.
Factors That Can Affect Accuracy
Certain factors may influence the reliability of results:
- Improper or delayed fixation of the biopsy tissue before processing
- Use of fixatives other than 10% formalin
- An inadequate amount of tissue in the biopsy sample
- Unstained slides that are more than six weeks old
- Prior chemotherapy or radiation therapy, which can alter protein expression in the tumour
Understanding Your IHC Marker - MDM2 Test Results
Results from the IHC marker - MDM2 test test should always be reviewed by a qualified pathologist or oncologist alongside clinical findings and imaging. The table below provides general reference information:
| Result | Interpretation |
|---|---|
| Negative | Absence of significant MDM2 nuclear staining; consistent with a benign lesion such as a lipoma, though clinical correlation is required |
| Positive | MDM2 protein overexpression detected (greater than 10% nuclear positivity); supports a diagnosis of liposarcoma, atypical lipomatous tumour, or certain bone sarcomas |
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.
Results During Special Conditions
Prior cancer treatments and tissue handling can both affect results. Patients who have received chemotherapy or radiation therapy before the biopsy may show altered protein expression, which can influence the staining pattern. Similarly, if the biopsy tissue was not promptly fixed in formalin or if a non-standard fixative was used, the MDM2 protein may degrade, potentially producing a falsely negative result.
How to Maintain Healthy Levels
MDM2 expression is determined by tumour biology and cannot be altered through lifestyle changes. However, the following general steps are worthwhile:
- Seek early medical evaluation for any unexplained lump, swelling, or persistent bone pain.
- Attend all follow-up appointments recommended by your oncologist if a soft tissue tumour has been identified.
- Maintain a balanced diet and regular physical activity to support overall health during treatment and recovery.
Lupin Diagnostics IHC Marker - MDM2 Test Price
The MDM2 test cost at Lupin Diagnostics starts at ₹1,920. This test requires a visit to a hospital for a biopsy procedure. Home collection is not available for this test. The table below shows indicative prices across major cities:
| City | Approximate Price (₹) |
|---|---|
| BHOPAL | 1920 |
| CHENNAI | 1920 |
| HYDERABAD | 1920 |
| KOLKATA | 1920 |
| NAVI MUMBAI | 1920 |
| PUNE | 1920 |
Disclaimer: Prices are indicative and may vary by location. Please confirm the current price at the time of booking.
How to Book
Follow these steps for MDM2 test online booking:
- Select the IHC Marker - MDM2 Test on the Lupin Diagnostics website.
- Choose your city and preferred centre location.
- Visit the centre at your scheduled time to submit the FFPE tissue block.
- Receive your report via email or WhatsApp within 3 days.
Frequently Asked Questions
The IHC marker - MDM2 test helps pathologists tell the difference between benign fatty tumours (such as lipomas) and malignant ones (such as liposarcomas). It is also used to differentiate low-grade bone cancers from non-cancerous bone lesions. The result is always interpreted alongside other pathology and clinical findings.
The tissue sample is collected by a clinician during a biopsy or surgical excision, which takes place before this test is ordered. You do not need to provide a fresh sample at the laboratory. The lab works with the already-collected tissue block.
No, MDM2 test home collection is not available for this test. The test requires a formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tissue block, which must be submitted to and processed at a pathology laboratory.
The report for the IHC marker - MDM2 test at Lupin Diagnostics is delivered within 3 days. Your test results will be delivered via email or WhatsApp.
A positive result means MDM2 protein overexpression was detected in the tissue. This supports a diagnosis of well-differentiated liposarcoma, atypical lipomatous tumour, or certain bone sarcomas such as parosteal osteosarcoma. A positive result must be interpreted by a doctor alongside the full histopathology report and clinical findings.
Not completely. A negative MDM2 IHC result makes certain liposarcomas or osteosarcomas less likely, but it does not exclude these diagnoses entirely. Amplification can vary within different areas of the same tumour, so additional testing and clinical review are often needed.
No, they are different. The IHC marker - MDM2 test detects the presence of the MDM2 protein in tissue cells, while FISH (fluorescence in situ hybridisation) detects amplification of the MDM2 gene. FISH is often considered more definitive, but IHC is faster and more accessible. Doctors sometimes order both tests together for a more complete picture.
IHC Marker - MDM2 Test: Booking, Price, and Results
