IHC Marker-E Cadherin Test
About IHC Marker-E Cadherin Test
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Also Known As | E-Cadherin IHC, CDH1 IHC, Epithelial Cadherin Immunostain, ECAD IHC |
| Sample Type | FFPE tissue block (formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tissue from biopsy or surgery) |
| Fasting Required | No, this test is performed on a tissue sample, not a blood sample |
| Report Time | 7 days |
| Recommended For | Males and females of any age; primarily patients with suspected or confirmed breast, gastric, or other carcinomas |
| Price | Starting at ₹1,920 |
What Is an IHC Marker-E Cadherin Test?
The IHC Marker-E Cadherin test is a specialised laboratory test that examines tissue samples for the presence and location of E-cadherin, a protein that helps cells stick together. It is performed using immunohistochemistry (IHC), a technique that uses specific antibodies to detect proteins within tissue. Doctors typically order this test after a biopsy to help classify tumours, particularly in the breast and stomach. It is also known as E-Cadherin IHC or ECAD IHC.
What Does an IHC Marker-E Cadherin Test Measure?
The test analyses tissue for three key aspects of e-cadherin, a transmembrane glycoprotein (a protein that spans the cell membrane) that plays a central role in keeping epithelial cells bound together.
The following aspects are evaluated:
| Parameter | What It Shows |
|---|---|
| E-cadherin protein expression | Whether the protein is present or absent in the tissue |
| Staining intensity | The strength of the signal, scored from absent to strong |
| Staining pattern | Whether the protein is correctly located on the cell membrane or abnormally shifted to the cell interior |
Why Is an IHC Marker-E Cadherin Test Done?
This test gives a pathologist important information about a tumour's cell type and behaviour. Below are the key reasons a doctor may request it.
Common Symptoms That May Require This Test
A doctor may request this test when a patient presents with the following:
- A breast lump or abnormal findings on a mammogram
- Unexplained weight loss with no clear cause
- Abdominal pain or difficulty swallowing
- A suspected tumour identified on imaging (ultrasound, CT scan, or MRI)
- A biopsy result that shows an uncertain or unclassified tumour type
Conditions This Test Can Help Detect
The IHC Marker-E Cadherin test procedure helps identify or distinguish between several conditions:
- Lobular carcinoma in-situ (LCIS) versus ductal carcinoma in-situ (DCIS) of the breast
- Infiltrating lobular carcinoma (ILC) versus infiltrating ductal carcinoma (IDC), the two most common forms of invasive breast cancer
- Diffuse gastric cancer, which is associated with loss of e-cadherin expression and the presence of signet-ring cells
- Adenocarcinoma versus mesothelioma (a cancer of the lining of the lungs or abdomen)
- Solid pseudopapillary neoplasms of the pancreas, a rare pancreatic tumour
- Assessment of tumour differentiation, as well-differentiated tumours typically retain E-cadherin expression while poorly differentiated tumours show reduced or absent expression
How to Prepare and What to Expect
No special preparation is needed from the patient's side, as the test is carried out on tissue collected through a biopsy or surgical procedure.
Do You Need to Fast?
No fasting is required. Because the IHC Marker-E Cadherin test is performed on a tissue sample rather than blood or urine, dietary restrictions do not apply.
Practical Tips Before Your Test
Keep the following in mind before your appointment:
- Bring a detailed clinical history including your symptoms, previous test results, and family history, as this is required for the test
- Bring any previous biopsy reports, imaging scans, or pathology slides to your appointment
- Inform your doctor about all medications and supplements you are currently taking
- If the tissue has not yet been collected, your doctor will give you specific instructions before your biopsy procedure
Step-by-Step Procedure
The test is conducted entirely in the laboratory on a tissue sample. Here is what the process involves:
- A tissue sample is collected by your doctor through a biopsy or during surgery. The sample is then fixed in formalin and embedded in paraffin wax (FFPE format); fixation ideally takes 12 to 24 hours.
- Laboratory technicians cut very thin slices of the tissue (approximately 4 to 5 microns thick) and place them on glass slides.
- A heat or enzyme-based treatment is applied to expose protein markers that may have been masked during fixation. This step is called antigen retrieval.
- Specific E-cadherin antibodies are applied to the slides. These antibodies bind to the E-cadherin protein if it is present.
- A staining agent is added to make the antibody-protein binding visible under a microscope.
- A qualified pathologist examines the stained slides and records the location, intensity, and pattern of E-cadherin staining before preparing the final report.
Factors That Can Affect Accuracy
Several factors can influence the reliability of results:
- Quality and size of the tissue sample collected
- Fixation time and method (over- or under-fixation can alter staining)
- Age of the cut paraffin section, as older sections may show reduced reactivity
- Mutations in the CDH1 gene, which codes for E-cadherin, can affect staining patterns
- The specific antibody clone and IHC technique used in the laboratory
Understanding Your IHC Marker-E Cadherin Test Results
Results from this test are qualitative, meaning the pathologist assesses and describes the staining pattern rather than providing a simple number. Below are the general interpretation guidelines.
| Finding | Staining Pattern | General Interpretation |
|---|---|---|
| Normal expression | Strong staining on the cell membrane | Normal epithelial cell adhesion; consistent with ductal carcinoma or adenocarcinoma |
| Retained/positive | Moderate to strong membrane staining (score 2 to 3) | Preserved E-cadherin function may indicate ductal-type lesion or intestinal-type gastric carcinoma |
| Absent or reduced | Little or no membrane staining | Seen in approximately 90% of invasive lobular carcinomas; also associated with diffuse gastric cancer and mesothelioma |
| Abnormal location | Staining inside the cell rather than on the membrane | May indicate aberrant expression requiring further clinical correlation |
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.
Results During Special Conditions
Although absent E-cadherin staining is strongly associated with invasive lobular carcinoma, approximately 17% of lobular carcinoma cases can still show positive staining.
CDH1 gene alterations have been found even in these E-cadherin-positive cases. For this reason, E-cadherin IHC results must always be interpreted alongside the tissue morphology and overall clinical picture.
How to Maintain Healthy Levels
E-cadherin expression in tissue cannot be directly changed through diet or lifestyle. However, general health habits can support overall cancer awareness:
- Attend regular health check-ups and recommended cancer screenings for your age group
- Discuss your family history of breast or gastric cancer with your doctor, as hereditary conditions can affect E-cadherin-related genes
- Follow your doctor's guidance on follow-up tests and monitoring after any cancer diagnosis
Lupin Diagnostics IHC Marker-E Cadherin Test Price
The IHC Marker-E Cadherin test cost at Lupin Diagnostics starts at ₹1,920. This test requires a visit to a Lupin Diagnostics centre, as it is performed on a tissue block that must be submitted in person. Home collection is not available for this test.
| City | Approximate Price (₹) |
|---|---|
| BHOPAL | 1920 |
| CHENNAI | 1920 |
| HYDERABAD | 1920 |
| KOLKATA | 1920 |
| NAVI MUMBAI | 1920 |
| PUNE | 1920 |
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 book your IHC Marker-E Cadherin test online:
- Select the test on the Lupin Diagnostics website.
- Choose your city and preferred centre location.
- Visit the centre at your scheduled time to submit your FFPE tissue block or slides.
- Receive your report via email or WhatsApp within the stipulated turnaround time.
Frequently Asked Questions
This test helps pathologists determine whether E-cadherin protein is present, absent, or abnormally located in a tissue sample. It is primarily used to distinguish between types of breast cancer (such as ductal versus lobular carcinoma) and to identify diffuse gastric cancer or mesothelioma.
No. The IHC Marker-E Cadherin test home collection is not available because the test requires an FFPE tissue block obtained through a biopsy or surgery. The block must be submitted to the laboratory for processing and microscopic examination.
No fasting is needed. The test is performed on a tissue sample, so there are no dietary restrictions to follow beforehand.
The report is typically delivered within 7 days of the laboratory receiving the tissue block. Processing time may vary depending on the complexity of the case and whether additional IHC markers are requested alongside this one.
A negative result means the E-cadherin protein is absent or significantly reduced in the tissue. In breast tissue, this pattern is seen in approximately 90% of invasive lobular carcinomas. A pathologist will always interpret this finding alongside the tissue appearance and clinical history before reaching a conclusion.
The laboratory analysis itself carries no direct risk to the patient. Any risks involved relate to the procedure used to collect the tissue sample (such as a biopsy), which your doctor will explain to you separately before that procedure.
You should consult a medical oncologist or a surgical oncologist, depending on your overall medical condition and the location of the tumour. Your treating doctor will guide you on the most appropriate next steps after reviewing the pathologist's report.
IHC Marker-E Cadherin Test
