Evaluation of Carcinoma of Unknown Primary on Cytologic Specimens.

Abstract

Carcinoma of unknown primary is defined as metastatic carcinoma without a clinically obvious primary tumor. Determining the tissue of origin in carcinoma of unknown primary is important for site-directed therapy. Immunohistochemistry is the most widely used tool for the work-up of metastases, but molecular profiling assays are also available. This review provides an overview of immunohistochemical stains in the work-up of metastatic carcinoma, with a focus on newer site-specific markers, and discusses the role of gene expression profiling assays for determining tissue of origin. The utility of cytopathology specimens in the evaluation of carcinoma of unknown primary also is highlighted.

• Authors: Erika E Doxtader, Deborah J Chute
• Journal: Surgical pathology clinics (Surg Pathol Clin) Vol. 11 Issue 3 Pg. 545-562 (Sep 2018) ISSN: 1875-9157 [Electronic] United States
• PMID: 30190140 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Review)
• Copyright: Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Chemical References

• Biomarkers, Tumor

Topics

• Biomarkers, Tumor (genetics)
• Gene Expression Profiling
• Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic
• Humans
• Immunohistochemistry (methods)
• Molecular Diagnostic Techniques
• Neoplasms, Unknown Primary (pathology)
• Precision Medicine (methods, trends)