title: Proliferating cell nuclear antigen distribution in keratoacanthoma and squamous cell carcinoma.
abstract: Histologic differentiation of keratoacanthoma (KA) and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is often difficult despite well-delineated histopathologic criteria. This has prompted a search for more objective methods to differentiate these two lesions. In the present study, we immunohistochemically examined the distribution of proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA)-positive cells in 11 cases of KA, 7 cutaneous SCC, and 2 atypical squamous proliferations (for which a definitive diagnosis could not be made on routine histology) using a commercially prepared anti-PCNA monoclonal antibody. We found PCNA-positive cells predominantly in the periphery of squamous nests in KA. In contrast, SCC showed a diffuse staining pattern with PCNA-positive cells seen throughout squamous nests. Determining the pattern of PCNA-positive cells is easy, does not require cell counting, and may provide additional histochemical data facilitating the distinction between KA and SCC.
authors.affiliation: Department of Pathology, Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine, Hershey.
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Phillips
authors.forename: K F
authors.initials: KF
authors.lastname: Helm
mesh_terms: D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal; D000951:Antigens, Neoplasm / Q000378:metabolism; D002294:Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000473:pathology; D006801:Humans; D007150:Immunohistochemistry / Q000379:methods; D007636:Keratoacanthoma / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000473:pathology; D009687:Nuclear Proteins / Q000378:metabolism*; D018809:Proliferating Cell Nuclear Antigen; D012871:Skin Diseases / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000473:pathology; D012878:Skin Neoplasms / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000473:pathology; D013194:Staining and Labeling; D014018:Tissue Distribution
chemical_list: D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal; D000951:Antigens, Neoplasm; D009687:Nuclear Proteins; D018809:Proliferating Cell Nuclear Antigen