Merkel cell carcinoma can be distinguished from metastatic small cell carcinoma using antibodies to cytokeratin 20 and thyroid transcription factor 1
Open Access
- 1 September 2001
- journal article
- Published by BMJ in Journal of Clinical Pathology
- Vol. 54 (9) , 727-729
- https://doi.org/10.1136/jcp.54.9.727
Abstract
Aim—To investigate whether immunohistochemical staining for cytokeratin 20 (CK20) and thyroid transcription factor 1 (TTF-1) is useful in distinguishing Merkel cell carcinomas (MCCs) from metastatic small cell carcinomas (SCCs). Methods—Eleven cases of MCC and 10 of lung SCC were stained for CK20 and TTF-1. Results—Ten of 11 MCCs stained with the antibody to CK20. None was positive for TTF-1. No SCC stained with anti-CK20 and all stained strongly with anti-TTF-1. Conclusions—The use of both anti-CK20 and anti-TTF-1 can reliably distinguish between MCC and metastatic SCC, thus avoiding the need for a detailed clinical investigation of patients with MCC in whom metastatic SCC must be excluded.Keywords
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