Does the requirement for an immunohistochemistry test in a pathology report necessarily indicate malignancy?
Aug 06, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Yang Ziqi
Introduction
In general, the requirement for immunohistochemical testing in a pathology report does not necessarily indicate malignancy. If you experience any discomfort, it is recommended to seek medical attention promptly. There is no need for excessive anxiety when immunohistochemical testing is requested, as its purpose is to achieve a more accurate diagnosis. Regardless of whether the results are benign or malignant, a clear diagnosis can provide reliable guidance for subsequent treatment or follow-up. It is advisable to complete the tests as directed by your physician.
Generally speaking, the requirement for immunohistochemistry (IHC) in a pathology report does not necessarily indicate malignancy. If you experience any discomfort, it is recommended to seek medical attention promptly. Detailed explanation is as follows:
Immunohistochemistry is a technique that detects the expression of specific proteins within tissues to assist in determining the nature of a lesion, differentiating tumor types, or assessing prognosis. It has broad applications, such as distinguishing between benign and malignant tumors, identifying tumor origins, and analyzing tumor biological characteristics.
Even in benign lesions, if morphological features are atypical, further confirmation via IHC may be required. For suspected malignant cases, IHC can determine the subtype and provide evidence for treatment planning. Therefore, IHC serves as an auxiliary diagnostic tool rather than a direct indicator of malignancy. A comprehensive evaluation combining histopathological morphology and IHC results is necessary for a final diagnosis.
There is no need for excessive anxiety when an IHC test is requested. The purpose of this test is to achieve a more accurate diagnosis. Regardless of whether the result is benign or malignant, a clear diagnosis can provide reliable guidance for subsequent treatment or follow-up. It is recommended to complete the test as advised by your physician.
