cytokeratineexpressionpatronen
Cytokeratineexpressionpatronen, or cytokeratin expression patterns, describe the characteristic set of cytokeratin proteins detected in an epithelial cell or tumor. They are determined by immunohistochemical staining and reflect the differentiation state and tissue origin of the epithelium. Analyzing these patterns helps pathologists classify tumors and infer their primary site when metastases are involved.
Cytokeratins are intermediate filament proteins in epithelial cells, encoded by KRT genes. They are divided into
Common patterns and interpretive examples: CK7+/CK20- is typical of many carcinomas of lung, breast, and ovary,
Applications and limitations: Cytokeratin expression patterns are integral to immunohistochemical workups, supporting tumor typing, detecting metastatic