Immunohistochemical evaluation of vascular neoplasms

Immunohistochemistry is of proven value in the evaluation of cutaneous vascular neoplasms. Nonetheless, the lack of sensitivity and specificity demonstrated by some endothelial markers requires that a panel of antibodies to other lineage-related determinants be applied in this context. Compared with electron microscopy, enzyme-linked antibody techniques can be applied in a cost-effective manner, with a satisfactory diagnostic result in most cases. The efficacy of these methods will likely improve as more sensitive and specific markers of endothelial differentiation are characterized. For the time being, the exclusion of non-endothelial proliferations remains an important aspect of the differential diagnosis of vascular tumors.