Flow cytometry and FISH (which stands for Fluorescence In Situ Hybridization) are important tools used to diagnose cancer. Each tool gives us different but helpful information.

Flow Cytometry:

• Cell Analysis: This method looks at thousands of cells very quickly. It tells us important details about different types of cells.
• Marker Detection: Flow cytometry can find special markers on the surface of cells. This helps doctors tell apart normal cells from cancerous ones.
• DNA Content: It checks the DNA in cells to see if there are any unusual amounts, which is often seen in cancers.

FISH:

• Chromosomal Abnormalities: FISH looks for specific changes in genes, like rearrangements or extra copies.
• Targeting Specificity: It uses glowing markers to find these genetic changes in the tissue.
• Prognostic Implications: Certain results from FISH can help doctors decide on treatments and predict how well a patient might do.

When used together, flow cytometry and FISH improve how accurately doctors can diagnose cancer and how they manage care for their patients.