title: Cytoplasmic staining of TTF-1 in the differential diagnosis of hepatocellular carcinoma.
abstract: Thyroid transcription factor 1 (TTF-1) is a widely used biomarker in surgical pathology. Its nuclear staining is sensitive and specific for the diagnosis of primary pulmonary and thyroid adenocarcinoma as well as small cell carcinomas arising in many organs. The cytoplasmic staining of TTF-1 is also observed, particularly in the benign and malignant hepatic cells. It has been controversial whether TTF-1 cytoplasmic staining is reliable enough to have diagnostic value. This review focuses on this issue and explores the potential application of TTF-1 cytoplasmic staining in the differential diagnosis of hepatocellular carcinoma from other primary and metastatic malignancies in the liver. The mechanism of TTF-1 cytoplasmic staining is also discussed.
authors.affiliation: Jdxpath, 100 Kestrel Drive, Collegeville, PA 19426, USA +1 610 831 5354 ; +1 610 831 5358 ; Jlei@uropathllc.com.
authors.forename: Jun-Yi
authors.initials: JY
authors.lastname: Lei
authors.forename: Jiaoti
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Huang