Best practices in diagnostic immunohistochemistry: pleomorphic cutaneous spindle cell tumors.

Abstract

CONTEXT:

Pleomorphic cutaneous spindle cell tumors can be difficult to distinguish solely on histologic grounds. The use of ancillary immunohistochemical studies can greatly assist in this differential diagnosis.

OBJECTIVE:

To review histologic and immunohistochemical aspects of cutaneous spindle cell tumors and discuss a basic panel of markers to assist in the differential diagnosis.

DATA SOURCES:

English-language literature published between 1981 and 2005.

CONCLUSIONS:

A basic immunohistochemistry panel for high-molecular-weight cytokeratin, melanocytic markers (S100 protein, HMB-45, Melan-A), smooth muscle actin, desmin, and endothelial markers (CD31, CD34) is effective in diagnosing most cutaneous spindle cell tumors.

• Authors: Andrew L Folpe, Kumarasen Cooper
• Journal: Archives of pathology & laboratory medicine (Arch Pathol Lab Med) Vol. 131 Issue 10 Pg. 1517-24 (Oct 2007) ISSN: 1543-2165 [Electronic] United States
• PMID: 17922587 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Review)

Chemical References

• Biomarkers, Tumor

Topics

• Biomarkers, Tumor (analysis)
• Carcinoma, Squamous Cell (chemistry, diagnosis)
• Diagnosis, Differential
• Histiocytoma, Malignant Fibrous (chemistry, diagnosis)
• Humans
• Immunohistochemistry (methods)
• Melanoma (chemistry, diagnosis)
• Sarcoma (chemistry, diagnosis)
• Skin Neoplasms (chemistry, diagnosis)
• Xanthomatosis (diagnosis, metabolism)