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Immunohistochemical Biomarkers in Pituitary Pathology

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Abstract

Pituitary pathology is one area of endocrine pathology that is highly dependent on immunohistochemistry. There is a wide range of disorders that occur in and around the sella turcica, and the distinction of tumor-like lesions from neoplasms requires careful evaluation. The diagnosis, prognosis, and predictive features of neoplasms in the sellar region are all dependent on the application and interpretation of biomarkers of cell differentiation, hormonal activity, subcellular morphology, and proliferation. As in hematopathology, the number of biomarkers has increased dramatically and continues to increase. Fortunately, some of the biomarkers provide information that was initially dependent on electron microscopy; therefore, the need for this additional technology has been reduced to only rare unusual tumors. In this review, we provide a simple approach to understanding the importance of the various biomarkers that are used to ensure the correct diagnosis and provide the treating clinicians with tools to guide appropriate patient management and surveillance.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Pathology, Laboratory Medicine Program, University Health Network, 200 Elizabeth Street, 11th Floor, Toronto, Ontario, M5G 2M9, Canada

    Sylvia L. Asa & Ozgur Mete

  2. Department of Laboratory Medicine & Pathobiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, M5G 2M9, Canada

    Sylvia L. Asa & Ozgur Mete

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Correspondence to Sylvia L. Asa.

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Asa, S.L., Mete, O. Immunohistochemical Biomarkers in Pituitary Pathology. Endocr Pathol 29, 130–136 (2018). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12022-018-9521-z

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