DLCS Expands Testing Menu; Adds Immunostain Cytokeratin 10 (CK10)

Aug. 19, 2012 - PRLog -- Dermatopathology Laboratory of Central States (DLCS), an anatomic pathology and molecular diagnostics laboratory, has announced the availability of the immunostain Cytokeratin 10 (CK10).  CK10 enables greater distinction of clonal seborrheic keratosis (clonal SK) from pagetoid Bowen's disease (pagetoid SCCIS). Pagetoid SCCIS, a variant of squamous cell carcinoma in situ, can closely resemble clonal seborrheic keratosis, a common benign condition.
“The histopathologic pattern of clonal seborrheic keratosis is quite similar to the nested pattern of pagetoid Bowen's disease, and differentiation between the two can be challenging, especially when only small pieces are available for interpretation,” says Dr. Thomas G. Olsen, founding director of DLCS. “Conventional histological tests have been limited in their ability to accurately differentiate one from the other.  CK10 provides valuable information previously unavailable to the dermatopathology community.”
CK10 enables improved differential diagnosis because it spares the nests in clonal SK, while staining those in pagetoid SCCIS.  When used as an adjunct,CK-10 provides more accurate and objective results because of the distinct absence of staining in the nests of clonal SK cells.  The test enables pathologists to determine that the cells present in the nests in clonal SK do not have CK10 protein, unlike those of pagetoid SCCIS.  When used in conjunction with conventional histopathology, CK10 provides valuable information to physicians for an accurate diagnosis.

“Other criteria that assist in the differential diagnosis are bcl-2 expression, absence of crowding and of mitoses,” added Dr. Olsen, “but the most reliable marker to distinguish clonal SK from pagetoid SCCIS is cytokeratin 10 when it spares nests.  This is significant because while clonal SK most often requires little or no treatment, untreated pagetoid SCCIS can lead to invasive carcinoma.”

The immunostain is now available at DLCS and can be ordered on any current biopsy or previously submitted formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tissue.  The turnaround is approximately 3-5 days.  For information on how to order this test, please contact Dr. Michael Kent, Translational Scientist, DLCS at (800) 532-3232 or mkent@dermpathlab.com.

ABOUT DLCS

Dermatopathology Laboratory of Central States (DLCS) is an independent, national dermatopathology laboratory whose goal is to provide physicians with accurate diagnoses of skin biopsies.  DLCS has a focus on quality, efficient service, and education – all essential to our dedication to patient care.  For additional information about DLCS visit www.dermpathlab.com.