Immunohistochemical features of ovarian cancer

Abstract

Ovarian cancer is the leading cause of death among women with gynecological oncological diseases. Diagnosis at the early stages of the disease allows for better chances of treatment and prognosis of ovarian cancer. It is reflected in the reduction of morbidity and mortality rates. An immunohistochemical study is used for differential diagnosis and accurate establishment of the histotype of ovarian cancer. Objective: to systematize literature data about the immunohistochemical features of ovarian cancer. In 90% of cases, ovarian cancer is epithelial-stromal, among which the main histological types are distinguished: serous (low- and high-grade), endometrioid, mucinous, and clear cell. In serous and other ovarian tumors, cytokeratins (CK) are widely used. CK 7 is present in all tumors, including mucinous tumors, expressing CK 20. Mucinous tumors also express villin and are negative for CDX-2. Endometrioid tumors react positively to vimentin, which is not observed in serous and mucinous tumors. Clear cell carcinoma expresses CK 8, 18, and EMA (epithelial membrane antigen).Conclusion. Therefore, immunohistochemical features of ovarian cancer ensure accuracy in the differential diagnosis of one or another histological type.