Role of Immunohistochemical Studies in the Classification of Lung Adenocarcinoma and Squamous Cell Carcinoma in Cytologic Specimens : A review of literature

Volume : IV, Issue : III, March - 2015

Dr. Nirali Shah, Dr. Cherry Shah, Dr. Biren Parikh, Dr. Deepak Joshi

 Primary tumours of the lung consist of four principal types; squamous cell carcinoma, small cell carcinoma, large cell 

carcinoma and adenocarcinoma. The results of several clinical trials identified lung tumor histologic features as a 

potential prognostic factor and predictor of clinical outcome and response to chemotherapy. Hence, the distinction 

between different subtypes of NSCLC, particularly adenocarcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) has gained importance. Cytologic 

features of these tumors can overlap, and a variety of superimposed degenerative and mechanical changes can distort the cytologic appearances 

of the tumor cells. As a result, ancillary techniques such as immunohistochemical analysis have been frequently incorporated into the diagnostic 

workup of many cytologic and small biopsy specimens.CK5/6 and p63 were used as immunohistochemical markers for SCC, and TTF–1 and 

surfactant protein A were markers for Adenocarcinoma