Course introduction and selection of immunohistochemical staining panels: principles and importance of incorporating clinical information. The 5th annual retreat for applied immunohistochemistry and molecular pathology january 30th-february 2, 2011, coral gables, Florida.

Among the core principles in the practice of immunohistochemistry is the use of carefully chosen marker panels. Choosing an appropriate panel of antibodies is predicated on a sound differential diagnosis that is based on detailed examination of hematoxylin and eosin-stained slides. The panel should contain antibodies designed to be immunoreactive in the most likely disease(s) in the differential as well as selected negative markers. In addition, the importance of detailed historical and clinical information in constructing the differential diagnosis and panel selection cannot be understated. Two cases from the Case Presentation sessions of the 5th Annual Retreat for Applied Immunohistochemistry and Molecular Pathology are summarized to illustrate these points. The first case is that of metastatic well-differentiated neuroendocrine tumor (carcinoid) tumor presenting as a breast mass. The second is that of a squamous cell carcinoma of the lung mimicking a tumor with admixed glandular differentiation by entrapment and disruption of bronchial glands. Application of a select immunohistochemistry panel in light of the differential diagnosis and importance of making a specific diagnosis are discussed.