Normal and cancerous bile cells

Cancer detection is improved by identifying a normal bile cell vs a polysomy (cancerous) cell through use of fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) technique. Mayo Clinic practitioners were among the first to use advanced cytologic techniques in combination with FISH to improve diagnosis of bile duct cancer by analyzing chromosome copy number. Left, FISH panel showing normal bile cells. Right, Panel showing how FISH analysis improves diagnosis by improving visibility of cancer cells as revealed through increased chromosome copy number.