Immunohistochemistry for assessment of pulmonary and pleural neoplasms: a review and update

Abstract

Diagnosis and classification of lung and pleural neoplasms are complex due to diverse histopathology and tumor heterogeneity. A large number of immunohistochemical markers have recently become available to facilitate accurate diagnosis and classification of pulmonary and pleural neoplasms. The purpose of this article is to review the current data available on these markers and to provide a practical approach to evaluate pulmonary and pleural neoplasms immunohistochemically. Current literature of immunohistochemical markers related to pulmonary and pleural neoplasms was collected and reviewed. Literature emphasizing differential diagnosis was selected. Data useful in the diagnosis and classification of pulmonary and pleural neoplasms was collated. This review provides an updated overview and general guideline for the practicing surgical pathologists to resolve some of the common differential diagnostic situations in their daily immunohistochemical assessment of pulmonary and pleural neoplasms.

Keywords: Immunohistochemistry; adenocarcinoma; lung; mesothelioma; neuroendocrine neoplasm; non-small cell carcinoma; pleura; small cell carcinoma; spindle cell neoplasm.