The diagnostic utility of pan-cytokeratin, CK19, CEA, CD10, and p63 in differentiating clear cell odontogenic carcinoma from hyalinizing clear cell carcinoma

Abstract

Background Clear cell carcinoma (CCC), or hyalinizing CCC, and clear cell odontogenic carcinoma (CCOC) are rare and typically indolent malignancies that can be diagnostically challenging. Aim The aim of this study was to determine the diagnostic utility of p63, carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA), CD10, pan-cytokeratin (pan-CK), and cytokeratin 19 (CK19) in the diagnosis of CCOC and hyalinizing CCC. Material and Methods The study groups comprised patients with CCOC (n = 15) and CCC (n = 10). The blocks of CCOC and CCCs were prepared for immunohistochemical staining for p63, CEA, CD10, pan-CK, and CK19. Results The results of this study revealed significant differences between the expression of pan-CK, CK19, and CEA between CCOC and hyalinizing CCC, with no significant value of p63 and CD10 expression. In conclusion, CCOC and hyalinizing CCC are malignant, locally aggressive tumors with the capacity to metastasize. Conclusion Based on the current observations and immunostains, it can be concluded that they are difficult, and, in some cases, impossible to distinguish morphologically and immunohistochemically despite a different cell of origin. Pan-CK, CK19, and CEA may have slight significant difference between CCOC and hyalinizing CCC but the diagnosis of these tumors mainly depends on the exclusion of other tumors. In addition, histological and immunohistochemical analyses of neoplasm features have limited value.