What's this test for?

This test is ideal if you're trying to understand whether a tumor sample shows loss of a specific DNA repair protein called MSH2. It's typically used as part of a broader look into hereditary cancer risk, especially when there's a personal or family history of colorectal, uterine, or other related cancers. This particular test provides the lab's raw immunohistochemistry (IHC) finding without a written interpretation attached.

What happens after I get my results?

Your results will show up in your account, with an explanation of what the tested marker means and how the finding is categorized. Because this is a raw IHC result without interpretation, a good next step is to have the finding reviewed together with your other pathology and genetic information to understand its full context. You can download a standard lab report from your account at any time, and if follow-up testing is done later, you'll be able to track findings over time using the trends feature. If you have questions about what the result means for your specific situation, discussing it with someone who can view your complete medical picture is recommended.

Who should consider this test?

People who have already been diagnosed with colorectal, uterine, or other cancers linked to Lynch syndrome, and who want tumor tissue evaluated for DNA repair protein loss, are the main candidates. It's also relevant for people with a strong family history of these cancers who are being evaluated for hereditary risk. This test is usually ordered as one piece of a larger diagnostic workup rather than as a standalone screening tool.

What symptoms indicate I may need this test?

There aren't direct symptoms tied to MSH2 protein status itself, since this is a tissue-based lab test rather than a symptom-driven one. However, a personal history of early-onset colorectal or uterine cancer, multiple family members with related cancers, or a known diagnosis of Lynch syndrome in the family are common reasons this test gets ordered. If any of these apply to you, this test may be a relevant piece of your workup.

What is Lynch syndrome and why does it matter?

Lynch syndrome is an inherited condition that raises the risk of several cancers, especially colorectal and uterine cancer, because of changes in genes that normally repair small errors in DNA. MSH2 is one of the key proteins involved in this repair process, so checking whether tumor tissue still makes this protein helps identify whether Lynch syndrome could be playing a role. Knowing this can guide future cancer screening schedules and inform family members who may also want to get tested.

What does it mean if MSH2 protein is missing in the tumor sample?

When MSH2 protein is absent or reduced in tumor tissue, it suggests the DNA repair system in those cells isn't working properly, which is a pattern often seen in Lynch syndrome-related cancers. This finding usually leads to additional testing, like genetic analysis, to confirm whether an inherited change is the cause. It doesn't diagnose Lynch syndrome by itself, but it's an important clue that prompts further investigation.

What does it mean if MSH2 protein is present and normal in the tumor sample?

If MSH2 protein shows up normally in the tumor sample, it makes a Lynch syndrome-related cause for that particular repair pathway less likely, though it doesn't rule out other hereditary cancer syndromes. Normal protein presence is generally viewed as a reassuring sign for this specific pathway. Other risk factors and family history should still be considered separately.

What causes loss of MSH2 protein in tumor tissue?

Loss of MSH2 protein can happen because of an inherited genetic change passed down in families (as in Lynch syndrome) or from a non-inherited change that occurs only in the tumor itself. Additional genetic testing is usually needed to figure out which of these is the actual cause. This distinction matters a lot because inherited changes affect other family members' risk, while tumor-only changes typically do not.

How often should I retest?

This is not a test you repeat routinely, since it's based on a specific tissue sample, usually collected during a biopsy or surgery. If a new tumor develops or additional tissue becomes available, retesting on that new sample might be considered. Your overall cancer screening schedule, rather than this specific test, will usually guide how often you get checked in the future.

What should I do if my results are abnormal?

If your result shows loss of MSH2 protein, a reasonable next step is pursuing genetic testing to check for an inherited change, since this can affect both your care and your family's risk. Sharing this result alongside your full pathology report and family cancer history will give the clearest picture. Acting on this information early can help guide future cancer screening decisions for you and close relatives.

Getting your blood test with us is easy, private & backed by the power of science.Long story short: In the test options, use the filters or search box to narrow your choices and find the test you want. If you need a hand navigating through options, text our super friendly support team at 754-799-7833, and we'll provide tailored suggestions to help you find the ideal test. Once your order is placed, we’ll create your doctor’s lab order remotely, without any need for you to make a trip to a doctor in person or to talk to the doctor. Expect to receive your doctor’s lab order right in your inbox. It will also be in your patient portal if you need to find it later. We’ll also include instructions regarding fasting and other requirements for your test. Your patient portal will be auto-created hassle-free during checkout. If this is your first time ordering, you'll be prompted to create a password for instant login access to your patient portal. It's a quick way to conveniently access your orders and results whenever you want. When you’re ready, visit one of our 4,000 locations. Just bring your ID – no printing or faxing of your lab order is needed, as your order and details will already be in the lab system. Note that most lab locations don’t accept walk-ins, so it’s best to book an appointment in advance. Don’t worry – we’ll provide detailed instructions along the way. You’ll get your results via email & SMS and dive into understanding your body better. Yup, that easy! If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com and we'll gladly help you.

How do I know which test to get?

In the test options, find the test you want. If you’re not sure which test to get, we can lend a hand in finding the right option. Just text or call us at 754-799-7833, email us at support@privatemdlabs.com, and we'll gladly help you. We've got your back and reply quickly.

When will my lab results be available?

Most test results will be available within 1–3 business days. Once they're ready, we'll send an email and text message to let you know. After your blood draw, just hang tight and don't worry – we'll keep you updated and in the loop! If you have any further questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com, and we'll gladly help you.

Is it possible to make changes to my lab order if I made a mistake with the name, date of birth, or any other details?

Absolutely! We totally understand that errors can happen. No worries, we're here to help you. Just reach out to us via text at 754-799-7833 or shoot us an email at support@privatemdlabs.com. Remember to include your order number and let us know the correct information you’d like to update. Our awesome team will jump right in and make sure everything is sorted out and accurate for you. There are no changes necessary if your address is wrong on the requisition though. We don’t mail anything out. Our lab requires an address to be listed to generate an order.

Do you accept health insurance?

Only HSA & FSA is accepted. Our services are strictly self-pay and cannot be submitted to your health insurance provider except for Health Savings Accounts or Flexible Savings Accounts. This policy applies to all insurance companies, including federal health insurance programs like Medicare. If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com.

Can I cancel my order?

Yes. We get it – sometimes your needs change. As long as your samples haven’t been collected yet, we’re happy to help you cancel your order. If you have any further questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com. You can read more about our cancellation policy here.

How can I find a lab location near me?

During the ordering process, you’ll be able to select a specific lab near you, with no strings attached! You can switch it up later easily and visit any of our authorized locations as long as it’s the same lab company you selected your test for (Quest Diagnostics or Labcorp). Before you proceed with your order, feel free to browse through all our lab locations here. This will give you the peace of mind of knowing that there's a lab nearby your home, office or your favorite gym. If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com and we'll gladly help you.

MSH2 IHC Test - Lynch Syndrome Tumor Screening

Getting your blood test with us is easy, private & backed by the power of science.

Long story short:

In the test options, use the filters or search box to narrow your choices and find the test you want.
If you need a hand navigating through options, text our super friendly support team at 754-799-7833, and we'll provide tailored suggestions to help you find the ideal test.
Once your order is placed, we’ll create your doctor’s lab order remotely, without any need for you to make a trip to a doctor in person or to talk to the doctor. Expect to receive your doctor’s lab order right in your inbox. It will also be in your patient portal if you need to find it later. We’ll also include instructions regarding fasting and other requirements for your test. Your patient portal will be auto-created hassle-free during checkout.
If this is your first time ordering, you'll be prompted to create a password for instant login access to your patient portal. It's a quick way to conveniently access your orders and results whenever you want.
When you’re ready, visit one of our 4,000 locations. Just bring your ID – no printing or faxing of your lab order is needed, as your order and details will already be in the lab system.
Note that most lab locations don’t accept walk-ins, so it’s best to book an appointment in advance. Don’t worry – we’ll provide detailed instructions along the way.
You’ll get your results via email & SMS and dive into understanding your body better. Yup, that easy!

754-799-7833

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