[Importance of immunohistochemistry of skin tumors]

Immunohistological demonstration of cell- and tissue-specific antigens in microscopic slides has remarkably influenced the classification of certain cutaneous neoplasms. The following markers are of particular interest in dermatopathology: cell surface antigens of lymphocyte subpopulations, intracytoplasmic immunoglobulins, intermediate filaments, neural markers, epithelial cell membrane antigens, and endothelial products. During the last years, these methods have contributed to our understanding of histogenesis and classification especially of cutaneous lymphomas, epithelial neoplasms, neurogenic tumors, and angiosarcomas.