Study of Cytokeratin AE1/AE3 Reactivity in Squamous cell carcinoma in aspiration cytology

Over: expression of Cytokeratin CK has been reported in malignant cells in aspiration cytology. Immunocyto-chemical detection of cytokeratin is an easier technique than molecular detection in malignant cells. Hence we investigated the presence of this protein in the most common malignant cells. Material and methods: We performed immunocytochemical ICC detection of CK in aspirate cytology of malignant cells with or without inflammatory and benign cells and correlated with varied patterns of CK positivity with respect to cytological diagnosis. Results: In the present study 40% cases of malignant cells were found positive for CK of which the most common pattern observed was diffuse cytoplasmic staining. Among the cases with SCC 66.6% were positive for over-expression of CK wherein diffuse pattern was observed. Conclusion: In the present study, significant number of SCC in aspirate cytology cases observed over-expression of CK. However SCC detection in aspiration cytology is a morphology based technique. Keywords: Immunocytochemistry, cytokeratin, aspirate, Squamous cell Carcinoma.