Squamous Cell Lung Carcinoma: Diagnosis and Gene Tests
Persistent cough, chest pain, breathlessness and weight loss can signal squamous cell lung carcinoma; imaging, biopsy and tumor DNA analysis each play a part.
Brandon Colby, MD
MD · MBA
Physician specializing in genetic analysis and personalized preventive medicine, and author of Outsmart Your Genes.
About Brandon
Brandon Colby is a physician-expert in the fields of genetic analysis and Personalized Preventive Medicine. He holds an MD from the Mount Sinai School of Medicine, an MBA from Stanford University's Graduate School of Business, and a degree in Genetics from the University of Michigan.
Dr. Colby is the author of the book Outsmart Your Genes and has developed numerous technologies that improve the analysis, interpretation, and actionability of genome sequencing data. He is an Affiliate Specialist of the American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics (ACMG), an Associate of the American College of Preventive Medicine (ACPM), and a member of the National Society of Genetic Counselors (NSGC).
Education
- BA in Genetics with Honors, University of Michigan · 2000
- MD, Mount Sinai School of Medicine · 2004
- MBA, Stanford University Graduate School of Business · 2007
Affiliations & Memberships
- Affiliate Specialist, American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics (ACMG)
- Associate, American College of Preventive Medicine (ACPM)
- Member, National Society of Genetic Counselors (NSGC)
Articles by Brandon Colby, MD are reviewed for accuracy by Sequencing's medical and scientific team. This page is for informational purposes and does not constitute medical advice.
Articles by Brandon
Syndromic Intellectual Disability: CMA, WES and WGS
Intellectual impairment with features such as facial dysmorphism or congenital anomalies defines SID; CMA, exome and genome sequencing can identify the causal mutation.
Synovial Plica Syndrome and Persistent Knee Pain
Irritation of a fold in the knee's synovial membrane causes pain on stairs, swelling and clicking; MRI or arthroscopy helps confirm synovial plica syndrome.
Understanding, Diagnosing, and Using Genetic Testing for Testicular Atrophy
Shrinking of one or both testicles can reduce fertility and upset hormone levels; blood tests, ultrasound and DNA analysis check for causes such as Klinefelter syndrome.
Understanding, Diagnosing, and Using Genetic Testing for Thalassemia
Reduced hemoglobin production causes the anemia of thalassemia; alpha forms involve HBA1 and HBA2, beta forms HBB, and testing spans CBC, electrophoresis and DNA.
Thiopurine Response: TPMT Variants and Safer Dosing
Azathioprine, mercaptopurine and thioguanine are metabolized differently depending on TPMT variants; reduced enzyme activity raises the risk of toxicity.
Understanding, Diagnosing, and Using Genetic Testing for Third Degree Atrioventricular Block
Complete heart block leaves the atria and ventricles beating independently, causing dizziness, fatigue or fainting; an ECG shows P waves dissociated from QRS complexes.
Thrombus (Blood Clot): Diagnosis and Genetic Risk
Ultrasound, CT and the D-dimer test help locate a blood clot, while Factor V Leiden and Prothrombin G20210A results inform anticoagulant choice and family screening.