New immunohistochemical markers in the differential diagnosisof nonsmall cell lung carcinoma.

BACKGROUND/AIM: The aim of this study was to investigate Napsin-A, NTRK-1, NTRK-2, Desmoglein-3, and Desmocollin-3 in the differential diagnosis and prognosis of nonsmall cell lung cancer. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The expression of Napsin-A, NTRK-1, NTRK-2, and Desmoglein-3 was examined by immunohistochemistry in 50 squamous cell carcinomas and 50 adenocarcinomas. Desmocollin-3 was investigated in 29 squamous cell carcinoma and 29 adenocarcinoma cases. Associations between expression profiles of Napsin-A, NTRK-1, NTRK-2, Desmoglein-3, and Desmocollin-3 in lung cancers and clinicopathological variables were analyzed. RESULTS: Napsin-A staining was statistically significant in detecting adenocarcinomas versus squamous cell carcinomas. The sensitivity of Napsin-A for adenocarcinomas was 96% and the specificity was 100%. NTRK-2 and Desmocollin-3 staining were statistically significant in detecting squamous cell carcinomas versus adenocarcinomas. Desmoglein-3, Napsin-A, and NTRK-2 had no effect on survival. Disease-free survival time was significantly shorter in cases that were moderately positive with NTRK-1. CONCLUSION: Our data suggest that Napsin-A, NTRK-2, and Desmocollin-3 are useful markers in the differentiation of nonsmall cell lung cancer.

Melanotic neuroectodermal tumor of infancy in the skull: a case report.

Melanotic neuroectodermal tumor of infancy (MNTI) is a rarely occurring neoplasm of neural crest origin, appearing in children during the first year of life. MNTI is a benign tumor but is nonetheless locally aggressive; it usually originates from the maxilla and the mandible. Recognition of the diagnostic features of MNTI is important, so that it may be differentiated from benign lesions (dermoid or epidermoid cysts, vascular lesions) as well as from malignant lesions such as small round cell tumors. We present a case of a 2-month-old infant who developed right retroauricular swelling with extension through the calvarium and into the central nervous system. The tumor was totally resected. Aggressive benign or malignant lesions of the calvarium may entail dural infiltration and brain involvement, as in our case. Early diagnosis and surgery are thus mandatory for benign or malignant tumors of the calvarium.