IHC Marker-SOX-10 Test: Booking, Price, and Results
About IHC Marker-SOX-10 Test: Booking, Price, and Results
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Also Known As | SOX10 IHC, SRY-box transcription factor 10 immunostain, SOX-10 immunohistochemistry |
| Sample Type | Formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tissue block |
| Fasting Required | No—not applicable for tissue samples |
| Report Time | 3 days |
| Recommended For | Individuals of all ages; typically ordered when melanoma or nerve sheath tumours are suspected |
| Price | Starting at ₹1,920 |
What Is an IHC Marker-SOX-10 Test?
The IHC marker-SOX-10 test is a specialised immunohistochemistry test that detects the presence of the SOX10 protein in tissue samples. SOX10 is a nuclear transcription factor, meaning it is a protein that regulates gene activity inside cell nuclei, and it plays a key role in the development of two specific cell types: melanocytes (pigment-producing skin cells) and Schwann cells (cells that insulate nerve fibres). Doctors order this test to help determine whether a tumour originates from these cell types. It is also known as SOX10 IHC or SOX-10 immunohistochemistry.
What Does an IHC Marker-SOX-10 Test Measure?
The SOX-10 test analyses fixed tissue under a microscope after applying a specialised antibody that binds to the SOX10 protein. The table below explains what the test detects and why it matters.
| Component | What It Detects | Clinical Significance |
|---|---|---|
| SOX10 nuclear staining | Presence or absence of SOX10 protein in tumour cell nuclei | Supports melanocytic or schwannian tumour origin |
Why Is an IHC Marker-SOX-10 Test Done?
A doctor may request the SOX-10 immunohistochemistry test for several reasons. It is most commonly used to identify the origin of an unusual tumour or to confirm a suspected diagnosis.
Common Symptoms That May Require This Test
The following symptoms or clinical findings may prompt a request for this test:
- A suspicious or changing skin lesion or mole
- A pigmented or non-pigmented mass in the skin or soft tissue
- Unexplained lymph node enlargement
- Soft tissue swellings with an unknown cause
- Nerve-related symptoms such as numbness, tingling, or weakness
- A biopsy result that requires further classification
- Identification of the origin of a metastatic tumour
Conditions This Test Can Help Detect
The IHC marker-SOX-10 test assists pathologists in identifying or ruling out a range of conditions, including:
- Malignant melanoma, including all subtypes
- Desmoplastic melanoma, a rare spindle-cell variant that can be difficult to diagnose
- Benign melanocytic naevi (moles) and melanocytic tumours, including spindle cell melanoma
- Schwannoma, a benign nerve sheath tumour
- Neurofibroma, a benign nerve tumour
- Malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumour (MPNST), a cancer arising from nerve coverings
- Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC)
- Clear cell sarcoma and granular cell tumours
- Metastatic melanoma in lymph nodes
How to Prepare and What to Expect
This test is performed on a tissue block in the laboratory. The patient does not need to visit the lab for the IHC testing itself, though a biopsy procedure is required to obtain the sample.
Do You Need to Fast?
No fasting is required for this test. The analysis is carried out on a tissue sample, not a blood or urine sample. If your doctor has scheduled a biopsy under sedation or anaesthesia to collect the tissue, they will give you separate preparation instructions, which may include fasting guidelines.
Practical Tips Before Your Test
The following points will help ensure a smooth process:
- Inform your surgeon or doctor about all medications you are taking, particularly blood thinners, before the biopsy procedure.
- Bring a detailed clinical history including your symptoms, previous test results, and relevant family history, as this is required for the test.
- Ask your doctor about what to expect during the biopsy, including any anaesthesia that will be used.
Step-by-Step Procedure
The SOX-10 test procedure involves several stages from tissue collection to result reporting:
- A surgeon or physician collects tissue via biopsy or surgical excision and places it in a formalin solution to preserve it.
- The laboratory processes the tissue into a formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) block or prepares unstained slides from the block.
- Laboratory technologists apply a specialised anti-SOX10 antibody to thin tissue sections cut from the block.
- A colour-developing agent is applied so that cells expressing SOX10 become visible under the microscope.
- A qualified pathologist examines the stained slides, assessing the location, intensity, and proportion of SOX10 staining in tumour cell nuclei.
- A detailed pathology report is prepared and sent to the requesting doctor, usually within 3 days.
Factors That Can Affect Accuracy
Several factors can influence the quality and reliability of the SOX-10 immunohistochemistry result:
- Poor tissue fixation, such as insufficient time in formalin before processing
- Use of an alternative fixative without noting it on the request form
- Inadequate tissue sample size
- Suboptimal antigen retrieval technique during laboratory processing
- Incorrect antibody dilution or incubation conditions
- Absence of appropriate positive and negative control slides run alongside patient samples
- Experience and expertise of the interpreting pathologist
Understanding Your IHC Marker-SOX-10 Test Results
Results of the SOX-10 test are reported qualitatively and must always be reviewed by your doctor alongside other clinical findings, histological features, and additional immunohistochemical markers.
| Result | Interpretation |
|---|---|
| Positive (nuclear staining present) | Supports melanocytic or schwannian differentiation and may be seen in melanoma, nerve sheath tumours, and some cases of triple-negative breast cancer. |
| Negative (no nuclear staining) | Suggests non-melanocytic, non-schwannian tumour; further evaluation with alternative markers may be needed. |
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
While this test does not measure a quantity that can be optimised through lifestyle changes, the following general wellness habits support early detection of skin and tissue abnormalities:
- Perform regular skin self-examinations to notice any new or changing moles or lesions.
- Protect your skin from excessive sun exposure by using sunscreen and wearing protective clothing.
- Consult a dermatologist promptly if you notice any skin changes, unusual lumps, or persistent soft tissue swellings.
Lupin Diagnostics IHC Marker-SOX-10 Test Price
The SOX-10 test cost at Lupin Diagnostics starts at ₹1,920. This test requires a tissue sample collected via biopsy or surgical procedure, and home collection is not available. Please visit your nearest Lupin Diagnostics centre or submit your tissue block through your referring hospital or clinic.
| 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 book your SOX-10 test online or at a centre:
- Select the IHC marker-SOX-10 test on the Lupin Diagnostics website.
- Choose your city and preferred centre location.
- Visit the centre at your scheduled time for tissue block submission.
- Receive your report via email or WhatsApp within the stipulated turnaround time.
Frequently Asked Questions
The IHC marker-SOX-10 test helps pathologists determine whether a tumour originates from melanocytes (pigment-producing cells) or Schwann cells (nerve-covering cells). It is used in the diagnosis of melanoma, nerve sheath tumours, and triple-negative breast cancer, among other conditions. Results are always interpreted alongside other markers and clinical findings.
The tissue sample is obtained through a biopsy or surgical excision performed by a surgeon or treating physician. The sample is then prepared as an FFPE tissue block and sent to the laboratory. The SOX-10 test procedure is carried out entirely in the laboratory on this fixed tissue.
No. The SOX-10 IHC test requires a tissue sample that can only be collected through a biopsy or surgical procedure at a hospital or clinic. Home collection is not applicable for this test. Please consult your doctor or visit a Lupin Diagnostics centre for guidance on sample submission.
The report is typically available within 3 days at Lupin Diagnostics. However, the turnaround time may vary depending on the complexity of the case and whether additional immunohistochemical markers need to be evaluated alongside SOX-10.
A positive result means SOX10 protein was detected in the tumour cell nuclei. This supports a diagnosis of melanocytic or schwannian origin, such as melanoma or a nerve sheath tumour. However, a positive finding alone is not a definitive diagnosis; it must be correlated with other markers, clinical history, and histological features. Final diagnosis is always made by a pathologist after reviewing all available clinical and pathological information.
Yes, SOX10 has been identified as a useful marker for triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC). It complements other breast cancer markers such as GATA3 and can support the evaluation of triple-negative breast cancer when interpreted alongside other clinical, histological, and immunohistochemical findings.
The SOX-10 test procedure itself is painless, as it is performed on tissue already collected. The biopsy used to obtain the tissue may cause some discomfort, but your doctor will use appropriate local anaesthesia or sedation to minimise it. Discuss any concerns about the biopsy with your treating physician beforehand.
IHC Marker-SOX-10 Test: Booking, Price, and Results
