IHC Marker-CK7 Test
About IHC Marker-CK7 Test
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Also Known As | CK7, Cytokeratin 7, Keratin 7, KRT7, CK7 IHC, CK7 Staining |
| Sample Type | Formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tissue block |
| Fasting Required | No |
| Report Time | 7 Days |
| Recommended For | All ages and genders; primarily patients with suspected or confirmed cancer requiring tumour origin identification |
| Price | Starting at ₹1,920 |
What is an IHC Marker-CK7 Test?
The IHC Marker-CK7 test is a specialised laboratory test that detects the presence of cytokeratin 7 (CK7), a structural protein found in certain epithelial cells. Epithelial cells are the cells that line the surfaces of organs and body cavities. The test is performed using a technique called immunohistochemistry (IHC), which uses specific antibodies to identify this protein in a tissue sample. It is also referred to as CK7 IHC, CK7 Staining, or Cytokeratin 7 testing.
Doctors typically order this test when a tumour has been found and its origin needs to be identified, particularly when cancer has spread from an unknown primary site.
What Does an IHC Marker-CK7 Test Measure?
The IHC Marker-CK7 test procedure analyses tissue samples to determine whether tumour cells express the CK7 protein. The result guides pathologists in tracing where a cancer originally developed.
The key aspects measured are listed below:
| Component | What It Tells Us |
|---|---|
| CK7 Protein Expression | Whether tumour cells produce Cytokeratin 7, reported as positive or negative |
| Staining Pattern | The distribution and intensity of CK7 expression within the tissue sample |
| Cell of Origin | Whether the tumour likely arose from CK7-expressing organ systems such as the lungs, breast, ovaries, or bladder |
Why is an IHC Marker-CK7 Test Done?
This test plays an important role in cancer diagnosis and classification. Pathologists and oncologists use it to narrow down the origin of a tumour, particularly when cancer has spread to other parts of the body.
Common Symptoms That May Require This Test
A doctor may request the CK7 IHC test when a patient presents with any of the following:
- An unexplained tumour mass found during imaging or surgery
- Suspected metastatic cancer where the original site is unknown
- Abnormal biopsy findings that need further classification
- Tissue from a lymph node showing cancer cells of uncertain origin
- Suspected carcinoma requiring distinction from other tumour types
Conditions This Test Can Help Detect
The IHC Marker-CK7 Test is used in the evaluation of several conditions, including:
- Cancer of Unknown Primary (CUP), where a tumour has spread but the original site has not been identified
- Lung, breast, ovarian, endometrial, bladder, and thyroid carcinomas, which are typically CK7 positive
- Mesothelioma, a cancer affecting the lining of organs
- Pancreaticobiliary adenocarcinomas, cancers of the pancreas and bile ducts
- Chromophobe renal cell carcinoma, where CK7 expression helps confirm the diagnosis
- Differentiation between colorectal cancer (usually CK7 negative) and lung or breast carcinomas (usually CK7 positive)
How to Prepare and What to Expect
Preparation for this test is straightforward. The tissue sample is collected as part of a biopsy procedure, which is arranged by your treating specialist. Here is what you need to know before the test.
Do You Need to Fast?
No, fasting is not required. This test is performed on a tissue sample, not a blood or urine sample, so there are no dietary restrictions before the test.
Practical Tips Before Your Test
Keep the following in mind before you go for sample collection:
- Bring a detailed clinical history including your symptoms, previous test results, and any imaging reports, as this is required for the test
- Carry your original histopathology report and relevant radiological records if available
- Inform your doctor about any known allergies or medical conditions
- Follow any specific instructions given by your oncologist or pathologist regarding the biopsy
Step-by-Step Procedure
The IHC Marker-CK7 test procedure involves the following steps:
- A tissue sample is collected from the affected area by a specialist, usually through a biopsy performed at a hospital or clinical facility.
- The collected tissue is fixed in formalin and processed into a paraffin-embedded (FFPE) block to preserve the sample for analysis.
- Thin sections are cut from the tissue block and placed on glass slides.
- Specific antibodies are applied to the slides to detect the presence of the CK7 protein.
- The stained slides are examined under a microscope by a qualified pathologist.
- The pathologist prepares a detailed report indicating whether CK7 expression is positive or negative, along with the staining pattern observed.
Factors That Can Affect Accuracy
Certain factors may influence the quality and reliability of the test result:
- Quality of tissue fixation and processing during biopsy
- Adequacy of the tissue sample obtained
- Antibody specificity and the staining protocol used by the laboratory
- Pathologist expertise in interpreting IHC staining patterns
Understanding Your IHC Marker-CK7 Test Results
Results from the IHC Marker-CK7 Test are qualitative, meaning they are reported as positive or negative rather than as numerical values. A qualified pathologist interprets the staining pattern in the context of your full clinical picture. The table below provides a general guide to what each result may indicate.
| Result | Possible Indication |
|---|---|
| CK7 Positive | Tumour cells express Cytokeratin 7; may suggest origin in the lungs, breast, ovaries, endometrium, bladder, thyroid, salivary glands, or thymus |
| CK7 Negative | Tumour cells do not express Cytokeratin 7; may suggest origin in the colorectum, prostate, liver (hepatocellular), or adrenal cortex |
| CK7+/CK20- | Pattern characteristic of lung and breast carcinomas |
| CK7-/CK20+ | Pattern associated with colorectal cancers |
Disclaimer: These ranges are general guidelines. Your doctor will interpret your results based on your age, health history, and other factors. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for personalised medical advice.
How to Maintain Healthy Levels
This is a diagnostic marker test used in cancer evaluation, not a wellness screening test. The concept of maintaining healthy levels does not apply here. If your results raise any concerns, your oncologist will guide you on the next steps based on the full clinical picture.
Lupin Diagnostics IHC Marker-CK7 Test Price
The IHC marker-CK7 test cost starts at ₹1,920 at Lupin Diagnostics. This test requires a visit to a Lupin Diagnostics centre or a hospital facility for tissue sample collection. Home collection is not available for this test, as the sample must be obtained through a biopsy under appropriate clinical conditions.
| City | Approximate Price (₹) |
|---|---|
| BHOPAL | 1920 |
| CHENNAI | 1920 |
| HYDERABAD | 1920 |
| KOLKATA | 1920 |
| NAVI MUMBAI | 1920 |
| PUNE | 1920 |
Disclaimer: Prices are indicative and may vary by location. Please confirm the current price at the time of booking.
How to Book
Follow these steps to make an IHC Marker-CK7 test online booking through Lupin Diagnostics:
- Select the test on the Lupin Diagnostics website.
- Choose your city and preferred centre location.
- Visit the centre at your scheduled time for sample collection or submit your FFPE tissue block as directed by your specialist.
- Receive your report via email or WhatsApp within the stipulated turnaround time.
Frequently Asked Questions
The IHC Marker-CK7 Test is most commonly ordered when a patient has a metastatic tumour and the original site of cancer is not known. Since cancer treatment depends on where the cancer started, identifying the primary site helps oncologists plan the right course of action.
No, fasting is not required. The test is performed on a tissue sample collected through a biopsy, not on a blood or urine sample, so there are no food or drink restrictions beforehand.
A CK7 positive result means the tumour cells contain the cytokeratin 7 protein. This helps pathologists identify the tissue type from which the tumour most likely originated. It is one piece of diagnostic information and is always interpreted alongside other test results and clinical findings.
At Lupin Diagnostics, the report delivery time is 7 days. The processing of FFPE tissue blocks and IHC staining takes more time than routine blood tests, as multiple steps are involved in tissue preparation and pathologist interpretation.
CK7 and CK20 are frequently evaluated together because their combined expression pattern provides stronger diagnostic information. For example, a CK7 positive and CK20 negative pattern points towards lung or breast cancer, while a CK7 negative and CK20 positive pattern suggests colorectal origin. This pairing improves accuracy in identifying the primary tumour site.
No. This test requires a tissue biopsy, which must be performed at a hospital or clinical facility by a trained specialist under sterile conditions. The FFPE tissue block is then submitted to the laboratory for processing and analysis.
A standard biopsy collects tissue for general examination. The CK7 IHC test goes a step further by applying specific antibodies to that tissue to detect whether cytokeratin 7 protein is present. This additional step helps pathologists classify the tumour type and trace its origin more precisely.
IHC Marker-CK7 Test
