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Journal of Clinical Pathology 2003;56:139-141; doi:10.1136/jcp.56.2.139
Copyright © 2003 by the BMJ Publishing Group Ltd & Association of Clinical Pathologists.
Journal of Clinical Pathology 2003;56:139-141
© 2003 BMJ Publishing Group & Association of Clinical Pathologists

SHORT REPORT

P-cadherin as a marker in the differential diagnosis of breast lesions

A Kovács1 and R A Walker2

1 Semmelweis Hospital, Department of Pathology, Miskolc PF 187. 3501, Hungary
2 Breast Cancer Research Unit, University of Leicester, Clinical Sciences, Glenfield Hospital, Groby Road, Leicester LE3 9QP, UK

Correspondence to:
Correspondence to:
Professor R A Walker, Breast Cancer Research Unit, Clinical Sciences, Glenfield Hospital, Groby Road, Leicester LE3 9 QP, UK;
raw14{at}le.ac.uk

ABSTRACT

Aims: To assess the value of the calcium dependent cell adhesion molecule P-cadherin as a myoepithelial marker in the differential diagnosis of benign and malignant breast lesions.

Methods: Immunohistochemical analysis of normal breast, sclerotic breast lesions, tubular carcinomas, and ductal carcinoma in situ using a P-cadherin specific antibody and comparison with smooth muscle actin.

Results: All myoepithelial cells in normal breast ducts, ductules, and lobules and sclerotic lesions showed strong staining for P-cadherin. There was no staining of tubular carcinomas; myoepithelial cells were demonstrated around in situ carcinomas. Weaker reactivity was seen in a proportion of cells in some hyperplasias and in situ carcinomas. This weak reactivity in these tissues was not seen for smooth muscle actin but in radial scars, tubular carcinomas, and ductal carcinoma in situ staining of stromal cells caused difficulties in the identification of myoepithelial cells.

Conclusion: P-cadherin is a useful marker in the differential diagnosis of breast lesions.

Keywords: P-cadherin; breast disease; myoepithelial cell; immunohistochemistry


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