title: Update on immunohistochemical methods relevant to dermatopathology.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Dermatopathology covers a large variety of entities, some having very similar histologic appearances. Immunohistochemistry is an incredibly helpful tool that is useful in diagnosis as well as prognosis of selected skin tumors.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  To provide a comprehensive review of recent trends and immunohistochemical stains used by dermatopathologists. Emphasis is placed on new stains as well as novel uses of existing stains.
  
  
  METHODS
  All data were gathered from published journal articles available through the National Center for Biotechnology Information PubMed database.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  New immunohistochemical targets are continually being found, contributing to more accurate diagnosis and classification of skin tumors. The presence of specific markers can be used to determine the aggressiveness of malignancies and design treatment strategies. In addition, application of existing stains can help determine intravascular spread of malignancy in primary cutaneous lesions. And use of rapid immunohistochemical staining techniques on frozen sections can assist in more complete excision of tumor margins. Immunohistochemistry is a highly versatile and growing tool of dermatopathologists.
authors: Section of Dermatology, University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois 60637, USA. justin.wasserman@uchospitals.edu
authors: Justin
authors: J
authors: Wasserman
authors: Jessica
authors: J
authors: Maddox
authors: Mark
authors: M
authors: Racz
authors: Vesna
authors: V
authors: Petronic-Rosic
mesh_terms: D014408:Biomarkers, Tumor / Q000378:metabolism; D049109:Cell Proliferation; D006801:Humans; D007150:Immunohistochemistry / Q000379:methods*; D008544:Melanocytes / Q000473:pathology; D018358:Neuroendocrine Tumors / Q000145:classification / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000473:pathology; D012878:Skin Neoplasms / Q000145:classification / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000473:pathology*; D012983:Soft Tissue Neoplasms / Q000145:classification / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000473:pathology
chemical_list: D014408:Biomarkers, Tumor