What is a chromosome translocation?
It is estimated that 1 in 625 individuals in the general population carry a balanced chromosomal translocation. Other chromosomal translocations may occur more frequently in the general population. Individuals that carry a balanced chromosomal translocation contain all of their genetic information; however, pieces of some chromosomes have switched places. Chromosomes are structures in our cells that carry our genetic information or genes. Normally, we have 46 chromosomes in our cells. The chromosomes come in pairs and are numbered based on their size. The largest chromosome pair is #1 and the smallest is #22. The sex chromosomes are X and Y. Women have two X chromosomes and men have one X and one Y. We inherit half of our chromosomes (23) from each parent in the egg and sperm. Individuals that carry chromosomal translocations are typically healthy; however they are at an increased risk for infertility, miscarriage, stillbirth, and/or having a child with birth defects. Please contact us
