On a biopsy report
FISH / ISH (in situ hybridisation)
Also written as FISH, ISH, SISH, CISH, FISH positive, FISH negative
What it means
FISH is a laboratory test that looks at genes or chromosomes in cells. It can show how many copies of a gene are present. It helps diagnose diseases such as cancer and helps plan treatment.
Why it matters
On breast reports FISH is often used to confirm HER2 status. Your oncologist uses the result to plan treatment.
Ask your oncologist
"Which gene was tested by FISH on my sample, and what was the result?"
From NCI Dictionary of Cancer Terms: fluorescence in situ hybridization. Not medical advice: your oncologist decides.