Methodology: FISH

Clinical Significance:
Deletion involving the cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor 2A/p16 gene at the 9p21 locus on chromosome 9 is frequently observed in mesothelioma. Homozygous deletion of this gene has been reported in 22-74% of mesotheliomas. This characteristic of mesotheliomas can be employed in the often-difficult differential diagnoses of spindle cell mesothelial proliferations where immunohistochemical markers cannot distinguish between benign and malignant mesothelial proliferations. While a negative result for homozygous p16 deletion cannot rule out the possibility of a mesothelioma, a positive result is highly specific for mesothelioma in the appropriate clinical setting.

Organ: Lung

Disease State: Mesothelioma vs. Adenocarcinoma

CPT Code(s): 88374. The CPT codes provided are based on AMA guidelines and are for informational purposes only. CPT coding is the sole responsibility of the billing party. Please direct any questions regarding coding to the payer being billed.

Turnaround Time: Within 4-6 business days of receipt

Schedule: Monday - Friday

Specimen Requirements:
• Formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tissue block or cell block - OR - • Minimum of 5 unstained slide cut at 4µm for each test requested