IHC Marker- Pan CK (Pan Cytokeratin) Test: Booking, Price, and Results
About IHC Marker- Pan CK (Pan Cytokeratin) Test: Booking, Price, and Results
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Also Known As | Pan-cytokeratin IHC Test, Pancytolaratin IHC Test, Pan-Keratin IHC Test, Broad Spectrum Cytokeratin Test |
| Sample Type | Formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tissue block |
| Fasting Required | No |
| Report Time | 7 days |
| Recommended For | All genders, all age groups |
| Price | Starting at ₹1,920 |
What is an IHC Marker- Pan CK (Pan Cytokeratin) Test?
The IHC marker- pan CK (pan cytokeratin) test is a specialised laboratory test used to identify whether a tumour originates from epithelial cells, the cells that line the surfaces and organs of the body. It uses an immunohistochemistry (IHC) technique, which applies specific antibody stains to a tissue sample to detect the presence of cytokeratin proteins. The test is performed on a tissue block obtained through a biopsy procedure. Doctors order this test when they need to determine the nature and origin of a tumour, particularly in cases where routine biopsy results are inconclusive.
Also known as the pan-cytokeratin IHC test, pancytokeratin IHC test, pan-keratin IHC test, or broad spectrum cytokeratin test, this test plays a key role in cancer diagnosis and treatment planning.
What Does an IHC Marker-Pan CK (Pan Cytokeratin) Test Measure?
The IHC marker- pan CK (pan cytokeratin) test analyses a single key marker in the tissue sample. Below is a brief description of what it assesses:
| Parameter | What It Represents |
|---|---|
| Pan-Cytokeratin Expression | The presence or absence of cytokeratin proteins in tumour cells, indicating whether the tumour is of epithelial origin |
Cytokeratins are structural proteins found within epithelial cells. Their detection confirms that a tumour has arisen from epithelial tissue, which is consistent with carcinomas (cancers of epithelial origin).
Why is an IHC Marker- Pan CK (Pan Cytokeratin) Test Done?
This test is ordered in specific clinical situations where the origin or nature of a tumour needs to be confirmed. Here is an overview of the main reasons a doctor may request it.
Common Symptoms That May Require This Test
The following clinical scenarios commonly lead a doctor to order this test:
- An unexplained lump or mass discovered during physical examination or imaging
- Suspected metastatic disease, where cancer may have spread from another site
- A poorly differentiated tumour that cannot be classified by routine staining alone
- Suspected carcinoma of unknown primary origin, where the cancer's starting point is unclear
- Unexplained lymph node enlargement requiring further tissue characterisation
- Tissue diagnosis needed before starting cancer treatment
Conditions This Test Can Help Detect
This test helps evaluate a range of conditions, including:
- Carcinomas of various types, including breast, lung, pancreatic, prostate, and colorectal cancers
- Carcinoma of unknown primary origin
- Metastatic carcinoma (cancer that has spread from another part of the body)
- Lymph node micrometastases (tiny cancer deposits not visible with standard staining)
- Squamous cell carcinoma and basal cell carcinoma
- Assessment of residual disease after chemotherapy or radiotherapy
IHC Marker- Pan CK (Pan Cytokeratin) Test for Chronic Disease Monitoring
This test may be used during or after cancer treatment to assess how well the tumour is responding to therapy. Changes in cytokeratin expression in follow-up tissue samples can indicate whether treatment has been effective. A pathologist and oncologist will review the results together with other clinical information to guide ongoing management.
How to Prepare and What to Expect
The IHC marker- pan CK test procedure involves tissue already collected through a biopsy. No additional sample collection is required at the time of test processing. Here is everything you need to know before and during the process.
Do You Need to Fast?
No fasting is required for this test. The test is carried out on a tissue block processed in the laboratory. If you are scheduled for a biopsy to obtain the tissue, your doctor will give you separate pre-procedure instructions, which may include fasting guidelines specific to that procedure.
Practical Tips Before Your Test
Keep the following points 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.
- Inform your doctor about all medications you are currently taking and any known allergies.
- If your tissue sample requires a biopsy procedure, follow all pre-operative instructions from your surgeon.
- Carry any relevant imaging reports, previous biopsy results, or surgical records to your appointment.
Step-by-Step Procedure
Here is what happens during the IHC marker- pan CK test procedure:
- A tissue sample is collected from the abnormal site through a biopsy. This may be a needle biopsy, excisional biopsy, or surgical removal, depending on the location and nature of the mass.
- The collected tissue is fixed in formalin and embedded in a paraffin block to preserve it for analysis.
- Thin sections are cut from the paraffin block and placed on glass slides.
- The slides are treated with the pan-cytokeratin antibody, which binds to cytokeratin proteins if present in the tissue.
- A detection system makes the bound antibody visible under a microscope, producing a staining pattern that indicates positive or negative expression.
- A qualified pathologist examines the stained slides, interprets the results in the context of your clinical history, and prepares the report.
Factors That Can Affect Accuracy
Several factors may influence the reliability of the test result:
- Poor tissue fixation or delay in formalin fixation after biopsy
- Suboptimal antigen retrieval during slide preparation
- Low quality or insufficient tissue in the biopsy sample
- Certain tumour types, such as some renal cell and adrenocortical tumours, may show negative pan-cytokeratin staining even when epithelial in origin
Understanding Your IHC Marker- Pan CK (Pan Cytokeratin) Test Results
Results are reported as positive or negative by a pathologist and must always be reviewed alongside your clinical history, imaging findings, and other diagnostic tests. The table below outlines how results are generally interpreted:
| Pan-cytokeratin Expression | Interpretation |
|---|---|
| Positive | Indicates epithelial origin of the tumour; consistent with carcinomas such as breast, lung, or colorectal cancer |
| Negative | Suggests non-epithelial origin; consistent with lymphoma, sarcoma, or melanoma |
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
Certain situations may affect how results are read:
- Pan-cytokeratin staining may be negative in a small proportion of renal cell carcinomas, adrenocortical tumours, and some neuroendocrine tumours, even though these are epithelial in origin. In such cases, additional specific IHC markers are used to confirm the diagnosis.
- Some upper gastrointestinal cancers may also show variable staining, and results must be assessed alongside a wider panel of markers and clinical data.
How to Maintain Healthy Levels
This test is diagnostic in nature and is not used for routine health monitoring. The following general points may be helpful:
- Attend regular health check-ups and cancer screening programmes as recommended by your doctor
- Report any new or unexplained lumps, masses, or persistent symptoms to a healthcare provider without delay
- Maintain a healthy lifestyle, including a balanced diet and regular physical activity, to support overall wellbeing
Lupin Diagnostics IHC Marker- Pan CK (Pan Cytokeratin) Test Price
The IHC marker- pan CK test cost at Lupin Diagnostics starts at ₹1,920. This test requires a visit to a hospital, as home collection is not available for tissue biopsy samples. The table below shows indicative prices across major cities:
| 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 for IHC marker- pan CK test online booking:
- 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 tissue block or slides for processing.
- Receive your report via email or WhatsApp within 7 days.
Frequently Asked Questions
The IHC marker- pan CK (pan cytokeratin) test is used to determine whether a tumour originates from epithelial cells. It helps pathologists confirm or rule out carcinomas (epithelial cancers) and distinguish them from non-epithelial tumours such as lymphomas or sarcomas. It can also help identify the epithelial origin of cancers where the primary site is unknown.
The tissue sample is collected through a biopsy procedure, such as a surgical, needle, or endoscopic biopsy performed at a hospital or clinic. The IHC marker- pan CK test is performed on the existing tissue block and does not require a separate sample collection.
No special dietary or physical preparation is required before this test. However, you should provide a detailed clinical history along with the tissue sample, as this information helps the laboratory process and interpret the results accurately.
At Lupin Diagnostics, the IHC marker- pan CK test results are typically available within 7 days after the laboratory receives the tissue sample. The report is delivered digitally through email or WhatsApp.
No, this test confirms that a tumour is of epithelial origin but is generally used as a first-line screening marker. Additional specific IHC markers are usually required to determine the exact tumour type and the primary organ of origin.
No, home collection is not available for the IHC marker- pan CK test. It requires a formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tissue block obtained through a biopsy performed at a hospital or clinic, which must be submitted directly to the laboratory.
A positive result means that the tumour cells express cytokeratin proteins, suggesting an epithelial origin. You should discuss the findings with your oncologist or pathologist, who will interpret the result alongside other test findings, recommend additional investigations if necessary, and guide the next steps. A positive result alone does not confirm a specific cancer type or treatment plan.
IHC Marker- Pan CK (Pan Cytokeratin) Test: Booking, Price, and Results
