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Published on: March 1, 2020
Mammaglobin expression in gynecologic adenocarcinomas.
Ian S Hagemann1, John D Pfeifer, Dengfeng Cao
1Division of Anatomic and Molecular Pathology, Department of Pathology and Immunology, Washington University, St Louis, MO 63110, USA.
Human Pathology
|October 23, 2012
Summary
Mammaglobin (MGB) is a potential marker for breast cancer. However, this study found MGB is also present in gynecologic cancers, suggesting it may not be specific to breast adenocarcinoma.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Pathology
- Gynecologic Oncology
Background:
- Mammaglobin (MGB) is recognized as a potential immunohistochemical marker for breast adenocarcinoma.
- Distinguishing breast adenocarcinoma from gynecologic primary tumors can be challenging.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the expression of Mammaglobin (MGB) in various gynecologic tissues and tumors.
- To assess the utility of MGB as a differential diagnostic marker between breast and gynecologic adenocarcinomas.
Main Methods:
- A semiquantitative survey of MGB immunoreactivity was conducted.
- The study analyzed 26 benign gynecologic tissues and 96 gynecologic adenocarcinomas (ovarian, endometrial, endocervical).
Main Results:
- MGB was detected in 40% of ovarian, 57% of endometrial endometrioid, and 30% of endometrial serous carcinomas.
- MGB was absent in endocervical adenocarcinomas.
- MGB expression was typically focal or patchy, with only rare cases showing strong diffuse staining.
Conclusions:
- A significant proportion of gynecologic carcinomas exhibit MGB immunoreactivity.
- Gynecologic primaries should be considered in the differential diagnosis of MGB-positive malignancies of unknown origin.
