SOX10 immunohistochemistry in sweat ductal/glandular neoplasms

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Dermatopathology
• Immunohistochemistry

Background:

• SOX10 is a sensitive and specific marker for neural crest-derived tumors.
• Previous studies indicate SOX10 expression in eccrine glands but not in apocrine glands or hair follicles.
• This led to the hypothesis that SOX10 could differentiate eccrine from apocrine sweat gland tumors.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the utility of SOX10 immunohistochemistry in classifying sweat gland tumors.
• To determine if SOX10 can differentiate between eccrine and apocrine sweat gland tumors.

Main Methods:

• A mouse monoclonal anti-SOX10 antibody (clone BC34) was used for immunohistochemical staining.
• The antibody was applied to a panel of various sweat gland tumors and basal cell carcinoma.

Main Results:

• SOX10 was positive in spiradenomas, cylindromas, hidradenoma papilliferum, syringocystadenoma papilliferum, and apocrine adenomas.
• SOX10 was negative in poromas, syringomas, and basal cell carcinomas.
• Mixed staining was observed in hidradenomas.

Conclusions:

• SOX10 immunohistochemistry can aid in distinguishing certain adnexal tumors from each other and from basal cell carcinoma.
• However, SOX10 staining of both eccrine and apocrine tumors limits its ability to determine tumor origin (eccrine vs. apocrine).