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Diagnostic and Predictive Immunocytochemistry in Head and Neck Lesions
Pietro Tralongo1, Federica Policardo1, Federica Vegni1
1Division of Anatomic Pathology and Histology-Fondazione Policlinico Universitario "Agostino Gemelli"-IRCCS, Rome, Italy.
Insights
Immunocytochemistry (ICC) aids in diagnosing head and neck lesions, especially difficult cases. This technique supports morphological findings for accurate diagnosis and treatment planning.
Area of Science:
- Cytopathology
- Head and Neck Pathology
- Immunohistochemistry
Background:
- Immunocytochemistry (ICC) has evolved alongside surgical pathology for head and neck lesions.
- ICC plays a significant role in head and neck cytology, aiding diagnosis and targeted therapies.
- New ICC markers for genetic alterations offer surrogate molecular evaluation on cytology samples.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the role of ICC in head and neck cytology.
- To highlight ICC's utility in diagnosing challenging head and neck lesions.
- To demonstrate the application of organ-specific and discriminatory ICC markers.
Main Methods:
- Review of current literature on ICC in head and neck cytology.
- Analysis of ICC marker utility for various head and neck lesions.
- Evaluation of ICC's role in differentiating benign from malignant lesions.
Main Results:
- ICC is a valuable diagnostic tool for difficult head and neck lesions.
- Organ-specific ICC markers can be reliably used.
- ICC markers can effectively distinguish between benign and malignant lesions.
Conclusions:
- ICC serves as a valid supplementary tool for diagnosing complex head and neck lesions.
- ICC supports morphological findings, leading to definitive diagnoses and appropriate management.
- The use of ICC enhances diagnostic accuracy and treatment strategies in head and neck pathology.
Background:
The application of immunocytochemistry (ICC) as a diagnostic and predictive tool in the workup of head and neck lesions has followed the changes and progresses in the surgical pathology evaluation. The contribution of ICC has shown a significant role in head and neck cytology, demonstrating as its contribution can support the diagnosis of many lesions. Furthermore, its role has been evolving as an important adjuvant tool in targeted therapies. An additional useful role is defined by the recent introduction of ICC markers related to genetic alterations, which has opened the door to the adoption of a surrogate for molecular evaluation also on cytological material.
Summary:
The current review article analyzes the role of ICC in the field of head and neck cytology, showing that it might represent a valid diagnostic tool in difficult cases. The review will include all the different head and neck lesions, demonstrating how we could rely on organ-specific ICC markers but also on ICC markers able to discriminate between benign and malignant lesions.
Key Messages:
The role of ICC represents a valid additional tool in the management of several difficult lesions, especially when morphology alone is not able to make a conclusive diagnosis. The support of ICC is likely to support the morphological findings leading to the definition of the diagnosis and the most appropriate management.
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