Analysis and Interpretation of Cytogenetic Findings in Malignancy

The preceding chapters have described the processes involved in getting metaphase divisions from a sample onto a slide, ready for analysis. Time, skill, and experience generously spent on these techniques will do much to make the next stages easier: the analysis and interpretation of these metaphases. Much of the following subheadings provide practical advice about these important aspects of a cytogeneticist’s work. They are mainly derived from experience with hematologic malignancies, as these have formed the bulk of most malignancy cytogenetics work so far, and have become the subject of professional guidelines drawn up to ensure that consistent and uniformly high standards of analysis are applied in all laboratories. Much the same principles are now being applied to the analysis of solid tumors.