IHC Marker-p53 Test: Booking, Price, and Results
About IHC Marker-p53 Test: Booking, Price, and Results
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Also Known As | p53 IHC, p53 Immunohistochemistry, IHC p53, p53 Tumour Suppressor Protein test, TP53 IHC marker |
| Sample Type | Formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tissue block (biopsy or surgical specimen) |
| Fasting Required | No—this test is performed on tissue samples, not blood |
| Report Time | 3 days |
| Recommended For | Adults and children of all genders; ordered when cancer is suspected or confirmed |
| Price | Starting at ₹1,920 |
What is an IHC Marker-p53 Test?
The IHC marker-p53 test is a laboratory test that examines tumour tissue to assess the expression of the p53 protein, a key regulator of cell growth. Pathologists use a technique called immunohistochemistry (IHC) to stain tissue slides and identify abnormal p53 patterns that suggest a mutation in the TP53 gene. Doctors order this test when cancer is suspected or confirmed, to support diagnosis and guide treatment planning. It is also known as p53 immunohistochemistry or the p53 tumour suppressor protein test.
What Does an IHC Marker-p53 Test Measure?
The IHC marker-p53 test examines the pattern of p53 protein expression within tumour cells. p53 is a protein that normally controls how cells grow and divide. When the gene that produces it (TP53) is faulty, the protein behaves abnormally.
The test identifies four staining patterns, each with a distinct meaning:
| Pattern | What It Means |
|---|---|
| Wild-type (normal) | TP53 mutation less likely |
| Overexpression | TP53 missense mutation likely |
| Null-type (complete absence) | TP53 truncating mutation likely |
| Cytoplasmic | TP53 mutation likely |
Why is an IHC Marker-p53 Test Done?
This test is an important tool in cancer diagnosis and tumour classification. It helps pathologists understand the behaviour of a tumour and provides information that directly influences clinical decisions.
Common Symptoms That May Require This Test
Your doctor may recommend the IHC marker-p53 test if you present with any of the following:
- An unexplained lump or mass detected on physical examination or imaging
- Abnormal findings on a CT scan, MRI, PET scan, or X-ray
- A confirmed tissue abnormality or suspicious lesion on biopsy
- Persistent, unexplained pain without a clear cause
- A suspected or newly diagnosed malignancy requiring further classification
- Follow-up investigation after an initial cancer diagnosis
Conditions This Test Can Help Detect
The p53 IHC test assists in the diagnosis, classification, or prognostic assessment of the following cancers:
- High-grade serous ovarian carcinoma, where TP53 mutations are reported in >95% of cases
- Colorectal cancer, including the distinction between low-grade and high-grade dysplasia
- Breast cancer, where TP53 mutations are present in roughly 25% to 30% of cases
- Oesophageal, lung, and head and neck cancers
- Endometrial carcinoma, to help classify tumour subtype
- Leukaemia, sarcoma, and other cancers where TP53 mutations occur at lower rates
How to Prepare and What to Expect
The IHC marker-p53 test procedure is straightforward once the tissue sample has been collected. Preparation depends on the type of biopsy performed.
Do You Need to Fast?
No fasting is required for the test itself, as it is performed on tissue rather than blood. However, if a biopsy procedure requiring anaesthesia is scheduled, your surgeon or doctor will provide separate fasting instructions for that procedure.
Practical Tips Before Your Test
Being well prepared before submitting your sample helps ensure an accurate result. Keep the following in mind:
- Bring a detailed clinical history including your symptoms, previous test results, and family history, as this is required for the test.
- Carry your doctor's referral letter, which should mention the biopsy site and reason for the test.
- Include any existing histopathology reports if you are submitting a previously prepared paraffin block. Bring relevant imaging reports such as CT scans, MRI, or PET scans.
- Inform your doctor about all current medications before the biopsy is performed.
Step-by-Step Procedure
The IHC marker-p53 test procedure involves the following steps:
- Your doctor collects a tissue sample through a needle biopsy, incisional biopsy, or surgical removal. No separate collection is needed specifically for this test.
- The tissue is placed in a formalin solution to preserve it, then embedded in a paraffin wax block, creating the FFPE tissue block.
- Very thin slices are cut from the tissue block using a precision instrument called a microtome.
- These tissue slices are placed on glass slides and treated with antibodies that bind to p53 protein within the cells.
- A colour-producing marker attached to the antibody makes the p53 protein visible under a microscope.
- A pathologist examines the stained slides and documents the staining pattern, which is reported alongside the clinical interpretation.
Factors That Can Affect Accuracy
Certain factors may influence how reliably the staining pattern reflects the true TP53 status:
- Tissue fixed in formalin for too long, which can reduce protein detection
- Poorly preserved or necrotic tissue, which may show inconsistent staining
- Prior chemotherapy or radiation therapy before biopsy, which can alter protein expression
- Insufficient specimen size or poor tissue quality
- Variations in laboratory technique and antibody reagents used
Understanding Your IHC Marker-p53 Test Results
Results of the p53 IHC test should always be reviewed by a qualified pathologist and discussed with your treating doctor. The table below outlines the four recognised staining patterns and their general clinical significance.
| Pattern | Staining Appearance | Likely Interpretation |
|---|---|---|
| Wild-type | Variable nuclear staining with heterogeneous intensity and distribution | No TP53 mutation likely |
| Overexpression | Strong, diffuse nuclear staining in 80% or more of tumour cells | TP53 missense mutation likely |
| Null-type | Complete absence of tumour-cell nuclear staining | TP53 truncating mutation likely |
| Cytoplasmic | Staining in the cytoplasm with variable nuclear staining | TP53 mutation likely |
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
Because this is a cancer diagnostic test rather than a routine health marker, the concept of maintaining levels does not apply in the traditional sense. The following general points are relevant:
- Discuss the results with your oncologist to understand what the staining pattern means for your specific diagnosis and treatment plan.
- Follow recommended cancer screening guidelines appropriate for your age and personal risk factors.
- Attend all follow-up appointments as advised by your specialist.
Lupin Diagnostics IHC Marker-p53 Test Price
The IHC marker-p53 test cost at Lupin Diagnostics starts at ₹1,920. This test requires a visit to a Lupin Diagnostics centre or submission of a prepared FFPE 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 |
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 IHC marker-p53 test online or at a centre:
- Select the test on the Lupin Diagnostics website.
- Choose your city and preferred centre location.
- Visit the centre at your scheduled time to submit your FFPE tissue block or biopsy sample.
- Receive your report via email or WhatsApp within the stipulated turnaround time.
Frequently Asked Questions
The IHC marker-p53 test is used to detect abnormal p53 protein expression in tumour tissue. It acts as a surrogate marker for TP53 gene mutations and helps doctors diagnose, classify, and understand the behaviour of various cancers. Results can also guide treatment planning.
No. The test is performed on a tissue sample obtained through a biopsy or surgical procedure. The same tissue block is used for IHC analysis, so no separate blood draw or additional sample collection is needed for this specific test.
At Lupin Diagnostics, the report is typically delivered within 3 days. In some laboratories, the staining process itself takes one to two days, but the final report including pathologist interpretation may take slightly longer depending on case complexity.
An abnormal staining pattern—overexpression, complete absence, or cytoplasmic—suggests an underlying TP53 gene mutation. This finding may influence the cancer diagnosis, indicate a particular tumour subtype, and affect decisions about treatment. Your oncologist will explain the implications for your specific case.
The TP53 gene is a tumour suppressor gene that prevents cells from growing and dividing in an uncontrolled way. Mutations in this gene are found in more than 50% of all human cancers, making it one of the most studied genes in cancer research. Detecting these mutations helps doctors understand a tumour's behaviour.
No. The IHC marker-p53 test is performed on tissue that has already been biopsied due to a suspected abnormality. It characterises an existing lesion or tumour rather than screening for cancer risk in otherwise healthy tissue.
No. Fasting is not required for the IHC marker-p53 test itself because it is performed on a tissue sample obtained through a biopsy or surgical procedure. If your biopsy has not yet been performed and requires sedation or anaesthesia, your doctor will advise you about any necessary fasting requirements before the procedure.
IHC Marker-p53 Test: Booking, Price, and Results
