Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 13, 2026
Indirect Immunofluorescence on Frozen Sections of Mouse Mammary Gland
Published on: December 1, 2015
Current practical applications of diagnostic immunohistochemistry in breast pathology
1James Homer Wright Pathology Laboratories, Massachusetts General Hospital, 55 Fruit Street, Boston, MA 02114, USA. mlerwill@partners.org
Insights
Immunohistochemistry is vital in breast pathology for diagnosing epithelial proliferations. This technique aids in identifying stromal invasion, distinguishing neoplasia types, and detecting metastases in lymph nodes.
Area of Science:
- Pathology
- Oncology
- Immunohistochemistry
Background:
- Immunohistochemistry (IHC) plays a crucial role in modern breast pathology.
- Its application is expanding for evaluating various epithelial proliferations of the breast.
Purpose of the Study:
- To discuss recent advances, practical considerations, and potential pitfalls of IHC in breast pathology.
- To highlight five key diagnostic applications of IHC in breast evaluation.
Main Methods:
- Review of current literature and clinical practices regarding IHC in breast pathology.
- Focus on specific IHC markers and their diagnostic utility.
Main Results:
- IHC is essential for evaluating stromal invasion using myoepithelial markers.
- E-cadherin aids in differentiating ductal and lobular neoplasia.
- High molecular weight cytokeratins distinguish hyperplasia from carcinoma in situ.
- IHC profiles help determine the origin of metastatic carcinomas.
- Cytokeratin stains are crucial for detecting lymph node metastases.
Conclusions:
- Immunohistochemistry is indispensable for accurate breast cancer diagnosis and subtyping.
- Understanding IHC applications and limitations is critical for optimal patient care.
- Continued research and refinement of IHC techniques will further enhance diagnostic accuracy.
Abstract:
In recent years, immunohistochemistry has assumed an increasingly prominent role in diagnostic breast pathology. Immunohistochemistry is now frequently used in the evaluation of many epithelial proliferations of the breast. Common applications include the use of myoepithelial markers to evaluate for stromal invasion, E-cadherin to distinguish between ductal and lobular neoplasia, high molecular weight cytokeratins to differentiate usual ductal hyperplasia from ductal carcinoma in situ, immunohistochemical profiles to characterize site of origin of metastatic carcinomas, and cytokeratin stains to detect metastases in sentinel lymph nodes. Recent advances, practical considerations, and potential pitfalls in the use of immunohistochemistry in these five diagnostic categories are discussed herein.
