Leu-M1-positive small cell carcinoma

A case of metastatic small cell carcinoma of the lung is reported; initially, on the basis of morphology, phenotyping with monoclonal antibodies, and cytochemistry, the carcinoma was interpreted as a hematopoietic neoplasm. Noncohesive blast-like cells observed in bone marrow and lymph node biopsy specimens stained with the monoclonal antibodies Leu-M1 and OKIa1 and were also positive for nonspecific esterase and acid phosphatase. Although these findings suggested a monocytic origin for the neoplastic cells, further analysis, including ultrastructural examination, disclosed metastatic small cell carcinoma. This case illustrates the need for caution in the interpretation of staining with monoclonal antibodies because of the potentially wide range of normal and abnormal cells and tissues that may react with monoclonal reagents.