Abstract
Perianal fistulae are often observed in patients with Crohn's disease (CD), although the development of associated adenocarcinomas is very rare. The origin of adenocarcinomas in perianal fistulae associated with CD remains controversial and includes adjacent anal glands or rectal mucosa. Here, we attempted to determine the origin. We performed immunohistochemical analysis on seven cases of adenocarcinomas in perianal fistulae associated with CD using antibodies against mucins (MUCs), cytokeratins (CKs) and the intestine-specific transcription factor CDX2. MUC2 and CK20 were expressed in all seven adenocarcinomas examined. MUC5AC/CLH2, MUC5AC/HGM and CDX2 were positive in four (57%), five (71%), and five (71%) adenocarcinomas, respectively. These proteins were positive in rectal mucosa, and negative in the anal glands. Six of seven adenocarcinomas (86%) were negative for CK7. CK7 was expressed in the anal glands, but not in rectal mucosa. Adenocarcinomas in perianal fistulae associated with CD showed immunohistochemical phenotypes similar to those of rectal-type mucosa, rather than the anal glands. The adenocarcinomas might originate from cells migrating from the adjacent rectal mucosa to the CD-associated perianal fistulae.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.