Beyond hematoxylin and eosin--the role of immunohistochemistry in surgical pathology.
Immunohistochemistry, a technique that microscopically detects cellular constituents via specific antibodies, has revolutionized the field of surgical pathology by tremendously empowering the hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) slide. In the investigation of the unknown primary, it enables detecting the origin of the tumor by use of tissue- or organ-specific antibodies as well as antibodies associated with minimal histogenetic differentiation. It has almost perfected the pathologist's ability to make specific diagnoses such as those of mesothelioma, melanoma, and neuroendocrine tumors. These diagnoses should be reached by interpreting the immunohistochemical results in the context of a detailed morphological analysis and differential diagnosis based on the H&E. Other important uses include detection of microinvasive and micrometastatic disease. Through the use of prognostic markers, immunohistochemistry can provide valuable information regarding tumor behavior and therapy. Lastly, immunohistochemistry serves a small but valuable role in highlighting microorganisms, particularly viruses.
Jaffer
Shabnam
S
Lillian and Henry M. Stratton-Hans Popper Department of Pathology, Mount Sinai Medical Center, New York, New York 10029, USA. shabnam_jaffer@msnyuhealth.org
Bleiweiss
Ira J
IJ
D000951:Antigens, Neoplasm / Q000032:analysis; D014408:Biomarkers, Tumor / Q000032:analysis; D002277:Carcinoma / Q000737:chemistry / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery; D006801:Humans; D007150:Immunohistochemistry / Q000379:methods / Q000639:trends; D009361:Neoplasm Invasiveness; D009363:Neoplasm Proteins / Q000032:analysis; D009367:Neoplasm Staging; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000145:classification / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery; D009857:Oncogenes; D010340:Pathology, Surgical / Q000379:methods* / Q000639:trends; D011379:Prognosis
D000951:Antigens, Neoplasm; D014408:Biomarkers, Tumor; D009363:Neoplasm Proteins