Immunohistochemistry of the Head and Neck Masses

The neck is an anatomically complex region with a variety of tissues and organs and presents a high number and diversity of pathological conditions. The chapter focuses on lesions where important diagnostic or prognostic information may be identified with the help of immunohistochemistry. The chapter contains the basics for the composition of Ab panels and interpretation of staining focusing on useful antibodies and algorithmic approach to selected tumors and tumor groups with special attention to the unknown primary tumor. Tables summarizing data from a number of publications are provided and percentage of positive cases reflects the average values. A list of “good to remember” points for beginners is presented as “Essentials of Practical Immunohistochemistry”. The detailed description of immunohistochemical profiles of the full range of primary and metastatic tumors in the neck region is beyond the scope of the chapter, and relevant information can be found in other parts of the book or in other publications.