Which CK7/CK20 pattern is associated with biliary tract, pancreas, stomach, and bladder?

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Multiple Choice

Which CK7/CK20 pattern is associated with biliary tract, pancreas, stomach, and bladder?

Explanation:
Immunohistochemical staining for CK7 and CK20 helps pinpoint where a carcinoma might have started. When both CK7 and CK20 are expressed, that pattern is characteristic of tumors from the biliary tract, pancreas, stomach, and bladder. These epithelia commonly co-express both cytokeratins, so carcinomas from these sites often show CK7 positive and CK20 positive. It’s a useful clue that shifts thinking away from colorectal origin, which more often shows CK20 positivity with little or no CK7, and toward these other organs.

Immunohistochemical staining for CK7 and CK20 helps pinpoint where a carcinoma might have started. When both CK7 and CK20 are expressed, that pattern is characteristic of tumors from the biliary tract, pancreas, stomach, and bladder. These epithelia commonly co-express both cytokeratins, so carcinomas from these sites often show CK7 positive and CK20 positive. It’s a useful clue that shifts thinking away from colorectal origin, which more often shows CK20 positivity with little or no CK7, and toward these other organs.

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