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Updated: Jul 11, 2026

Multiplex Immunohistochemical Analysis of the Spatial Immune Cell Landscape of the Tumor Microenvironment
Published on: August 18, 2023
Best practices in diagnostic immunohistochemistry: pleomorphic cutaneous spindle cell tumors
Andrew L Folpe1, Kumarasen Cooper
1Division of Anatomic Pathology, Mayo Clinic, 200 1st St SW, Rochester, MN 55905, USA. Folpe.Andrew@Mayo.edu
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.

