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Tenascin‐C expression in Merkel cell carcinoma lymph node metastasis
Author(s) -
KOLJONEN VIRVE,
BÖHLING TOM,
TUKIAINEN ERKKI,
HAGLUND CAJ,
JAHKOLA TIINA
Publication year - 2006
Publication title -
apmis
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.909
H-Index - 88
eISSN - 1600-0463
pISSN - 0903-4641
DOI - 10.1111/j.1600-0463.2006.apm_249.x
Subject(s) - pathology , lymph , merkel cell carcinoma , immunohistochemistry , lymphatic system , lymph node , metastasis , tenascin c , cytokeratin , carcinoma , medicine , merkel cell , metastatic carcinoma , biology , cancer
Expression of tenascin‐C (Tn‐C) has been shown to correlate with invasion and metastasis in Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC). Cytokeratin‐20 (CK‐20) is used in differential diagnostics of the primary tumour. The aim of this study was to demonstrate the expression of Tn‐C in MCC lymph node metastases. Immunohistochemical staining was performed for five metastatic lymph nodes using a monoclonal antibody against Tn‐C and CK‐20. All five metastatic lymph nodes expressed Tn‐C. The expression concentrated around the vascular structures, invasion borders and fibrotic septae. One of the metastatic lymph nodes was strongly positive for CK‐20 while the others showed a focal or negative pattern. The normal lymphoid tissue was negative for Tn‐C. Tn‐C detected metastatic MCC tissue within the lymph nodes undisputedly. There was a clear distinction between the metastatic and normal lymphatic tissue. Furthermore, invasion to the surrounding tissue was easily demonstrated. Contrary to previous studies, CK‐20 expression seemed to fluctuate.