Abstract

Samuel Ifedioranma Ogenyi*, Anthony Ajuluchukwu Ngokere, Anuli Obianuju Onyemelukwe and
Jonathan Madukwe

ABSTRACT

Sarcoma is a group of complex heterogeneous malignant tumours of soft tissues and bones with mesenchymal origin with lots of diagnostic challenges unconnected with their heterogeneous nature, varied histological types and subtypes with considerable morphological overlaps between the different diagnostic entities, hence the need for immunohistochemical diagnosis and classification for specific management strategies and prognosis. The present study was aimed at evaluating ?- smooth muscle actin, c-kit and desmin immunohistochemical expression features of commonly diagnosed sarcomas in Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital Nnewi. Twenty four (24) archived paraffin wax processed sarcoma samples were sourced from the histopathology laboratory and museums of the hospital while necessary data were obtained from records. Tissue blocks were re-embedded with fresh paraffin wax and 3? thick sections cut with the aid of a rotary microtome. Haematoxylin and Eosin staining method was employed to confirm diagnosis before proceeding to immunohistochemistry. Monoclonal antibodies for ?- smooth muscle actin, c-kit and desmin were employed for immunohistochemistry while exposed mouse and rabbit specific horseradish peroxidase/diaminobenzidine detection IHC kit was employed for immunostaining. Mean age of patients was 26 years, 14 (58.3%) females and 10 (41.7%) males. There were 9 commonly diagnosed sarcoma types ?-smooth muscle actin and desmin were positive for 12 and samples respectively while as c-kit was negative for all samples. SMA and desmin co-expressed in metastatic liposarcoma and low grade leiomyosarcoma. Alpha-SMA, desmin and c-kit showed consistent expression features in many sarcoma types and could be explored further for sarcoma characterization in Nigeria.