Immunohistochemistry in Breast Disease: Uses and Pitfalls

 

Immunohistochemistry (IHC) has an important role in the differential diagnosis of breast lesions, in differentiating benign from neoplastic lesions, in situ from invasive carcinomas, as well as helping pathologists separate carcinomas that require different clinical management. IHC may also help distinguish metastatic tumors from breast primary. Due to the high prevalence of breast cancer, a metastasis from primary breast cancer is frequently considered in a differential diagnosis of metastatic carcinomas in female patients, even for those without a history of breast cancer. IHC is invaluable in differential diagnosis of metastatic breast carcinoma from other malignancies.

Originally published on June 3, 2025

Lecture Presenter

H. Evin Gulbahce, MD, MSCI

H. Evin Gulbahce, MD, MSCI

Professor of Pathology
University of Utah School of Medicine
Subspecialty Director, Breast Pathology
ARUP Laboratories

Dr. H. Evin Gulbahce is the subspecialty director of breast pathology at ARUP Laboratories and a professor at the University of Utah School of Medicine. Dr. Gulbahce received her medical degree from Hacettepe University School of Medicine. She then completed an anatomic and clinical pathology residency and a surgical pathology fellowship at the University of Minnesota. Dr. Gulbahce is certified in anatomic and clinical pathology by the American Board of Pathology. She has received the Clinical Excellence award and the Outstanding Teaching award from the Department of Pathology at the University of Utah.

Objectives

After this presentation, participants will be able to:

  • Identify breast IHC markers for distinguishing breast and other common malignancies and be familiar with the sensitivity and specificity of these markers
  • Identify IHC markers to correctly separate lobular from ductal carcinomas, especially in situ lesions
  • Recognize indications for use of cytokeratins in identifying metastatic carcinoma in sentinel lymph nodes
  • Discuss the use and pitfalls of IHC markers in identifying benign from neoplastic lesions in the breast

Sponsored by:

University of Utah School of Medicine, Department of Pathology, and ARUP Laboratories