p 63 and Cytokeratin Immunostains in Diagnosis of H&N SCC

OBJECTIVE: 95% of the head and neck cancers are Squamous Cell Carcinomas making up the vast majority of head and neck cancers. Squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck remains a significant cause of morbidity and mortality. Early diagnosis of the pre-cancerous & cancerous lesion is important for the improvement of the survival rates. To differentiate between endocrine tumors, lymphomas and carcinomas along with the proper diagnoses of the poorly differentiated carcinomas. One of the latest and accurate modality immunostaining has been reported and research is required on the head and neck SCCs. The objectives of study were to assess the sensitivity and specificity of the p 63 and Cytokeratin immunostains in the diagnosis of squamous cell carcinomas of head and neck.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study comprised thirty (30) squamous cell carcinomas cases of head and neck diagnosed on the H&E staining. Sixty (60) cases of head and neck biopsies other than Squamous cell carcinoma, negative on H&E staining were taken as control. Immunostaining was done on the 270 slides according to the protocol description given by Thermo Scientific UltraVision LP detection System.

RESULTS: Significant sensitivity and specificity values were seen in case of each marker. p 63 4A4, p63 4A4+Y4A3 and Cytokeratin AE1/AE3 sensitivity values were 86.66%, 96.66 and100% respectively, whereas, specificity values were 96.66%, 96.66% and 81.53% respectively. CONCLUSION: p 63 4A4, p63 4A4+Y4A3 and Cytokeratin AE1/AE3 all markers were seen to be significant in both sensitivity and specificity. These markers can be used for a confirmatory diagnosis of the squamous cell carcinomas.