Selection of the Markers

Abstract

A reasonable differential diagnosis usually is based on the cytomorphology of the tumor, clinical information, and the probability of certain disease processes occurring in the patient’s age group and in the anatomic location of the tumor(2). Another important factor is the availability of markers for the entities within the differential diagnosis. Similarly, the experience of the observer is an essential factor in determining the clinical value of ICC. The latter has a major impact from the selection of the markers to the evaluation of results and rendering of a diagnosis. Because most diagnostic problems in cytology can be narrowed down to two or three possibilities, the choice of antibodies can also be restricted to two or three. This “tailor-made” approach requires the pathologist’s input and necessitates her/his active participation in the formulation of a working diagnosis. The authors have used this nonalgorithmic, differential, diagnosis-driven, limited antibody approach in all cases discussed and illustrated in this book. This refl ects our preoccupation with a practical approach to the ICC of cytologic specimens, particularly when the sample is insuffi cient for cell block preparation.