Follicular lymphoma t(14;18)
46,XX,t(14;18)(q32;q21)
Also known as: IGH-BCL2, t(14;18)
46,XX,t(14;18)(q32;q21) is the hallmark of follicular lymphoma. It joins the immunoglobulin heavy-chain locus IGH to BCL2, so the cell overexpresses BCL2 and resists apoptosis.
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What the notation means
46- total chromosome count (the normal human number)
XX- sex chromosomes: two X (usual female karyotype)
t(14;18)(q32;q21)- a reciprocal TRANSLOCATION: chromosomes 14 and 18 break (at 14q32 and 18q21) and swap the pieces beyond those breaks, giving two derivative chromosomes der(14) and der(18)
Clinical notes
t(14;18), Follicular lymphoma
t(14;18)(q32;q21) juxtaposes BCL2 with IGH → anti-apoptotic BCL2 overexpression.