Classical and Molecular Cytogenetic Techniques and Their Use in the Pathologic Diagnosis of Tumors

Abstract

The histologic diagnosis of tumors based upon tissue architectural changes, cytologic examination of cells, and immunohistochemical reactions is the mainstay of any surgical pathology laboratory. However, a wide variety of cytogenetic and molecular assays not only provides extremely usefill information regarding patient diagnosis but also carries valuable prognostic and therapeutic inlplications. Cytogenetic data are particularly applicable to the diagnosis of a myriad of hematologic malignancies and solid tumors. Here, we describe a variety of classic and molecular cytogenetic techniques that are used routinely in the diagnosis of these tutnors, with a focus on classical chromosomal analysis and fluorescence in situ hybridization. In addition, spectral karyotyping, comparative genomic hybridization, and array technology are discussed. (The J Histotechnol 28:209, 2005)Submitted November 9, 2005; accepted with revisions Decelnber 1, 2005