Immunohistochemistry
Immunohistochemistry (IHC) is a laboratory technique that uses antibodies to detect specific protein markers in tissue samples. In mesothelioma diagnosis, IHC is essential for distinguishing mesothelioma from lung adenocarcinoma and other cancers that can appear similar under the microscope, and for identifying the specific cell type.
Mesothelioma cells express specific protein markers — including calretinin, WT1, cytokeratin 5/6, and D2-40 — that differentiate them from lung cancer and other malignancies. IHC testing applies antibodies to the biopsy tissue that bind to these markers and produce visible staining patterns, allowing the pathologist to confirm or rule out mesothelioma.
Accurate IHC testing is critical because mesothelioma treatment differs significantly from lung cancer treatment. A misdiagnosis can lead to ineffective therapy and lost time. IHC also determines whether the mesothelioma is epithelioid, sarcomatoid, or biphasic, which directly affects treatment planning and prognosis.
Patients should ensure their tissue samples are evaluated at a center experienced in mesothelioma pathology. A comprehensive IHC panel testing for multiple markers provides the most reliable results. Second opinions on pathology are common and recommended in mesothelioma cases.
- Also known as
- IHC, IHC staining, Immunostaining
- Category
- Medical
- Related terms
- Biopsy, Epithelioid Mesothelioma, Sarcomatoid Mesothelioma, Biphasic Mesothelioma, Mesothelioma
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