An EMA negative, desmin positive malignant mesothelioma: limitations of immunohistochemistry?
Histopathologists in the current environment of medical negligence and litigation are more likely to use immunohistochemical investigations in their day-to-day practice to support their diagnosis and avoid future litigation. The caveat is that relying on immunohistochemistry is a double-edged sword and pathologists should be familiar with its limitations. We present a case of primary malignant peritoneal mesothelioma with an unusual immunohistochemical profile-desmin positive, EMA negative-and wish to highlight the importance of cautiously interpreting immunohistochemistry profiles when they do not fit the clinical history and histological appearance.
Salman
W D
WD
East Lancashire Hospitals, UK. walidsalman@gmail.com
Eyden
B
B
Shelton
D
D
Howat
A
A
Al-Dawoud
A
A
Twaij
Z
Z
D014408:Biomarkers, Tumor / Q000378:metabolism*; D003893:Desmin / Q000378:metabolism*; D017809:Fatal Outcome; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008654:Mesothelioma / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000473:pathology; D008875:Middle Aged; D018396:Mucin-1 / Q000378:metabolism*; D010534:Peritoneal Neoplasms / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000473:pathology
D014408:Biomarkers, Tumor; D003893:Desmin; D018396:Mucin-1