Genetic counseling, also known as genetic mapping, is a multidisciplinary and interdisciplinary process that is conducted to identify the likelihood of developing a particular disease and the possibilities of its transmission to family members. This test can be performed by the carrier of a certain genetic disease and by family members and from the analysis of genetic characteristics can be defined methods of prevention, risks and treatment alternatives.
Genetic counseling has several applications, which can be used in pregnancy planning or prenatal care, to check for damage to the fetus and cancer, assess the chances of cancer, and determine possible severity and treatment.
- Genetic counseling is done to verify the risk of developing certain diseases.
- This may be possible from the analysis of the whole genome of the person.
- In which any type of alteration that may favor the onset of diseases.
- Especially cancer with hereditary characteristics.
- Such as breast.
- Ovary.
- Thyroid and prostate.
- Can be identified.
- For example.
To make the genetic mapping it is necessary to be recommended by the doctor, in addition, this type of examination is not recommended for all people, only for those at risk of developing hereditary diseases, or in cases of marriage between parents, for example, called bloodline marriage. Know the risks of blood marriage.
Genetic counseling involves testing for genetic diseases. It can be retrospective, when there are at least two people in the family with the disease, or prospective, when there are no people with the disease in the family, to check if there is a risk of developing a genetic disease or not. .
Genetic counseling is carried out in three main stages
This process is carried out by a team of professionals coordinated by a clinical geneticist, who is responsible for guiding people on hereditary diseases, the possibilities of transmission and the manifestation of diseases.
Genetic counseling can be done during prenatal screening and is mainly indicated in the case of elderly pregnancies, in women with diseases that may affect embryo development and in couples with family ties, such as cousins.
Prenatal genetic counseling can identify trisomy on chromosome 21, which characterizes Down syndrome, which can help with family planning. Learn all about Down syndrome.
Individuals who wish to receive genetic counseling should consult a clinical geneticist, who is the physician responsible for the referral of genetic cases.