IHC Marker MSH2 Test: Booking, Price, and Results
About IHC Marker MSH2 Test
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Also Known As | MSH2 immunohistochemistry, IHC MSH2, muts homolog 2 IHC, MMR MSH2, and DNA mismatch repair protein MSH2 |
| Sample Type | Formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tumour tissue block |
| Fasting Required | No |
| Report Time | 3 Days |
| Recommended For | All genders and ages, typically prescribed for patients with colorectal, endometrial, or other solid tumours |
| Price | Starting at ₹1,920 |
What is an IHC Marker MSH2 Test?
The IHC marker MSH2 test is a specialised laboratory examination performed on tumour tissue. It checks whether the MSH2 protein, a key part of the body's DNA mismatch repair (MMR) system, is present in cancer cells. The MMR system corrects errors that occur when cells copy their DNA. This test is also known as MSH2 immunohistochemistry or IHC MSH2 test. It is ordered by oncologists and pathologists when a patient is diagnosed with colorectal, endometrial, or other solid tumours, or when lynch syndrome is suspected.
What Does an IHC Marker MSH2 Test Measure?
The IHC MSH2 test evaluates two main features of tumour tissue using a technique called immunohistochemistry (IHC), where specific antibodies are applied to tissue sections to reveal protein presence.
| Component | What it Measures |
|---|---|
| MSH2 protein expression | Whether the MSH2 protein is present (retained) or absent (lost) in tumour cell nuclei. |
| Nuclear staining pattern | Normal lymphocytes and epithelial cells near the tumour stain positively, confirming the test is working correctly. |
MSH2 works together with another protein called MSH6 to correct DNA copying errors. When MSH2 is absent, MSH6 expression is also typically lost, which can point to a specific genetic cause.
Why is an IHC Marker MSH2 Test Done?
This test is requested when a doctor needs to understand the biological behaviour of a tumour, assess hereditary cancer risk, or guide treatment decisions. Below are the key reasons it is prescribed.
Common Symptoms That May Require This Test
Several clinical findings may prompt a doctor to request the IHC MSH2 test procedure. These include:
- Persistent or unexplained change in bowel habits
- Blood in stool
- Persistent abdominal pain or discomfort
- Unexplained weight loss
- Abnormal vaginal bleeding
- A newly diagnosed colorectal or endometrial tumour
- A strong family history of colorectal, endometrial, or related cancers
Conditions This Test Can Help Detect
A pathologist reviews the IHC MSH2 results to help identify several important conditions, including:
- Mismatch repair deficiency (dMMR) in solid tumours.
- Lynch syndrome (also known as hereditary non-polyposis colorectal cancer, or HNPCC), which may be suspected when MSH2 protein expression is lost and may require confirmatory genetic testing.
- Tumours that may be associated with microsatellite instability (MSI), a finding that can help guide treatment decisions when assessed alongside other laboratory and clinical information.
How to Prepare and What to Expect
Because this test is performed on tissue already collected during a biopsy or surgery, patient preparation is straightforward. The notes below will help you bring the right materials and set accurate expectations.
Do You Need to Fast?
No fasting is required for this test. Since the sample is tumour tissue rather than blood or urine, food and drink intake before the appointment has no effect on results.
Practical Tips Before Your Test
Keep the following points in mind when submitting your tissue sample for the test:
- Provide relevant clinical information, including previous test results, cancer history, and family history when available, as this may assist in interpretation.
- Carry the original histopathology report from your initial tissue examination.
- Ensure that the submitted FFPE tissue block contains sufficient viable tumour tissue for analysis. The laboratory will assess whether the sample is adequate for testing.
- Bring any relevant radiology reports and clinical notes.
- Inform the laboratory team of any prior treatments such as chemotherapy or radiation, as these may affect tissue quality.
Step-by-Step Procedure
The IHC MSH2 test procedure involves tissue that has already been collected. Here is how the process works from tissue collection to reporting:
- Tumour tissue is obtained through a biopsy or surgical procedure by your treating doctor.
- The tissue is placed in formalin for approximately 18 to 24 hours to preserve it, then dehydrated and embedded in paraffin wax to form the FFPE block.
- The FFPE block is submitted to the laboratory along with the clinical history and original pathology report.
- Laboratory technicians cut extremely thin sections (around 4 to 5 microns) from the block and place them on glass slides.
- Specific antibodies targeting the MSH2 protein are applied to the slides. Heat or enzymatic treatment is used to expose the proteins within the tissue.
- A qualified pathologist examines the stained slides under a microscope and reports whether MSH2 protein expression is retained or lost.
Factors That Can Affect Accuracy
Several factors can influence the reliability of IHC marker MSH2 Test results:
- Inadequate formalin fixation or improper tissue preservation.
- Insufficient tumour tissue in the submitted sample.
- Prior chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or other treatments that affect tissue quality.
- Variability in staining patterns within different areas of the tumour.
- Absence of appropriate positive internal controls, which are needed to confirm that the staining procedure has worked correctly.
Understanding Your IHC Marker MSH2 Test Results
Results from the IHC MSH2 immunohistochemistry test are reviewed by a pathologist and reported as retained (present) or lost (absent). The table below outlines the two possible outcomes.
| Parameter | Result | Interpretation |
|---|---|---|
| MSH2 protein | Retained / intact | Normal protein expression, suggests a functioning MMR system in the tumour. |
| MSH2 protein | Lost / absent | Absent expression in tumour nuclei; suggests a possible mismatch repair deficiency. |
When all four MMR proteins (MLH1, MSH2, MSH6, and PMS2) are retained, this suggests a proficient MMR (pMMR) system. Loss of MSH2 typically accompanies loss of MSH6 staining and may indicate a germline MSH2 mutation, pointing towards Lynch syndrome. It may also suggest eligibility for certain immunotherapy treatments such as checkpoint inhibitors.
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
The following general guidance applies if MSH2 loss is detected in your results:
- Discuss genetic counselling with your doctor. Additional testing may be recommended to determine whether the finding is related to Lynch syndrome or another inherited condition.
- Follow the cancer surveillance and treatment plan recommended by your healthcare team.
- If a hereditary mutation is identified, close family members may wish to discuss cancer risk assessment and genetic testing with their doctor.
Lupin Diagnostics IHC Marker MSH2 Price
The IHC marker MSH2 test cost at Lupin Diagnostics starts at ₹1,920. This test requires a visit to a Lupin Diagnostics centre; home collection is not available as the sample is a specialised tissue block processed in an accredited pathology laboratory.
| 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 to book your test online booking through Lupin Diagnostics:
- Select the 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 IHC MSH2 test checks whether the MSH2 protein is present in tumour tissue. It helps doctors identify mismatch repair deficiency, screen for Lynch syndrome, and determine whether a patient may respond to certain immunotherapy treatments. It is typically requested alongside three other MMR protein tests.
The sample is tumour tissue obtained during a biopsy or surgical procedure. This tissue is preserved in formalin and embedded in paraffin to create an FFPE block, which is then submitted to the laboratory. Blood or urine samples are not used for this test.
Loss of MSH2 protein in the tumour suggests mismatch repair deficiency and may indicate an underlying MSH2 gene alteration, including Lynch syndrome. Further genetic evaluation may be recommended to determine the cause.. Your doctor will typically recommend genetic counselling and may refer close relatives for testing. It can also make you eligible for specific immunotherapy treatments.
No fasting is required. The IHC MSH2 test is performed on tissue, not blood, so food and drink intake does not affect the sample or the results.
Lupin Diagnostics delivers results within 3 days. The timeline may vary depending on the complexity of the case and tissue quality. Your doctor will notify you when the report is available.
Lynch syndrome (also called HNPCC) is a hereditary condition caused by mutations in MMR genes, including MSH2. It significantly raises the risk of colorectal, endometrial, and several other cancers. Testing for MSH2 expression helps identify whether a tumour may be linked to this hereditary syndrome, which has important implications for the patient and their family.
No. The MSH2 test requires a tissue block obtained through biopsy or surgery, which cannot be collected at home. The sample must be processed and analysed in a specialised, NABL-accredited pathology laboratory.
IHC Marker MSH2 Test: Booking, Price, and Results
