Detection of occult metastases in pancreatic adenocarcinoma with anticytokeratin antibody.
Fifty-six lymph nodes excised from 11 patients with pancreatic adenocarcinoma were studied for evidence of metastasis by standard light microscopy and immunohistochemistry using an anticytokeratin monoclonal antibody. Eight of 56 nodes contained metastatic carcinoma as demonstrated by conventional techniques. By immunohistochemistry, positive-staining cells were easily identified. In 10 of 56 nodes, the positive staining was accompanied by cytologic atypia, changes consistent with malignancy. In seven additional nodes, positive-staining cells were present, but cytologic atypia was lacking. The use of immunohistochemistry facilitated recognition of malignant cells and raised questions that single-cell metastasis may be present. Positive staining for cytokeratin should prompt a close examination of cells to determine if morphologic features of malignancy are present.
Tian
F
F
Department of Surgery, Medical College of Ohio, Toledo 43699.
Myles
J L
JL
Appert
H E
HE
Kim
K
K
Howard
J M
JM
D000230:Adenocarcinoma / Q000737:chemistry / Q000473:pathology*; D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal; D006801:Humans; D007150:Immunohistochemistry; D007633:Keratins / Q000032:analysis* / Q000276:immunology; D008198:Lymph Nodes / Q000737:chemistry; D008207:Lymphatic Metastasis / Q000175:diagnosis*; D010190:Pancreatic Neoplasms / Q000737:chemistry / Q000473:pathology*
D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal; D007633:Keratins