Immunohistochemistry Prostate Benign vs Malignant Panel Test
Short Name: IHC Prostate B vs M Panel
Also known as: IHC Prostate Panel, Prostate Benign vs Malignant IHC Panel, AMACR p63 CK5/6 Prostate Panel, Prostate Carcinoma Immunohistochemistry Panel
Immunohistochemistry Prostate Benign vs Malignant Panel Test test available at DNA Labs India for ₹5,000. Uses Immunohistochemistry (IHC) on Tumor tissue in 10% Formal-saline or Formalin fixed paraffin embedded (FFPE) block samples. Results in Daily sample acceptance by 6 PM. Report delivery: Tissue biopsy — 5 working days; Tissue large complex — 7 working days.. Free home collection in 300+ cities across India.
🩺 Medically Reviewed By
Dr Pasupathy Arumugam
Consultant Pathologist · Reg: 21521
Last reviewed: September 7, 2026
Overview
The purpose of this test is to immunohistochemically characterize prostate biopsy tissue to determine whether atypical glandular foci represent benign conditions or prostatic adenocarcinoma. By evaluating the expression pattern of AMACR (positive in carcinoma), p63 (positive in basal cells, negative in carcinoma), and CK5/6 (positive in basal cells, negative in carcinoma), this panel helps pathologists reach a definitive diagnosis in equivocal cases. It is especially valuable for confirming malignancy in small biopsy cores and for differentiating carcinoma from mimickers such as high-grade PIN with glandular outpouchings.
- Test Code
- 1033
- CPT Code
- 88342
- ICD Code
- C61
- Price
- ₹5,000
- Sample Type
- Tumor tissue in 10% Formal-saline or Formalin fixed paraffin embedded (FFPE) block
- Result Time
- Daily sample acceptance by 6 PM. Report delivery: Tissue biopsy — 5 working days; Tissue large complex — 7 working days.
- Fasting Required
- No
- Method
- Immunohistochemistry (IHC)
Sample Collection
Provide a copy of the histopathology report, site of biopsy, and relevant clinical history. No special preparation is required from the patient as this test is performed on an already obtained biopsy specimen.
Method: Tissue biopsy (prostate)
Laboratory Analysis
The biopsy tissue is submitted in 10% Formal-saline or as a formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) block. The specimen is shipped at room temperature.
Report Delivery
After sample receipt at the laboratory, tissue sections are prepared and stained with the three immunomarkers (AMACR, p63, CK5/6). The stained slides are evaluated by a qualified pathologist and a detailed report is generated.
Timeline: Daily sample acceptance by 6 PM. Report delivery: Tissue biopsy — 5 working days; Tissue large complex — 7 working days.
Patient Instructions
About This Test
Who Should Get This Test
The purpose of this test is to immunohistochemically characterize prostate biopsy tissue to determine whether atypical glandular foci represent benign conditions or prostatic adenocarcinoma. By evaluating the expression pattern of AMACR (positive in carcinoma), p63 (positive in basal cells, negative in carcinoma), and CK5/6 (positive in basal cells, negative in carcinoma), this panel helps pathologists reach a definitive diagnosis in equivocal cases. It is especially valuable for confirming malignancy in small biopsy cores and for differentiating carcinoma from mimickers such as high-grade PIN with glandular outpouchings.
How to Prepare
- Submit tumor tissue in 10% Formal-saline or as a Formalin Fixed Paraffin Embedded (FFPE) block
- Ship the specimen at room temperature
- Provide a copy of the histopathology report along with the sample
- Include the site of biopsy and relevant clinical history with the referral form
- Ensure the sample is properly labeled with patient details and specimen source
Doctor's Notes
Reviewed by Dr Pasupathy Arumugam — MBBS, MD (Pathology) · Reg. No. 21521
"The IHC Prostate Benign vs Malignant Panel is a critical adjunct to routine H&E-stained biopsy evaluation. In cases where a small focus of atypical glands is identified, the combined assessment of AMACR positivity with absence of basal cell markers (p63 and CK5/6) provides strong evidence supporting a diagnosis of prostatic adenocarcinoma. This panel is particularly valuable when differentiating a small carcinoma focus adjacent to high-grade prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia (PIN) from glandular outpouchings of a PIN lesion. Early and accurate diagnosis through this panel enables timely clinical decision-making and appropriate treatment planning."
Last medically reviewed: September 7, 2026
Test Parameters & Specifications
Sample Stability
- Specimen received without adequate clinical information or histopathology report
- Tissue that is excessively necrotic, autolysed, or inadequately fixed
- Specimen container without proper patient identification or labeling
- Unlabeled or incorrectly labeled FFPE blocks
- Specimen received in fixatives other than 10% neutral buffered formalin without prior arrangement
Understanding Your Results
Supports a diagnosis of prostatic adenocarcinoma. The absence of basal cell markers (p63, CK5/6) with positive AMACR labeling in atypical glands is consistent with malignancy.
Supports a benign diagnosis. The presence of an intact basal cell layer with negative AMACR is consistent with benign prostate glands.
Basal cells are present with AMACR expression. This pattern may be seen in high-grade PIN or other benign mimickers. Clinical correlation and further evaluation may be needed.
Loss of basal cells without AMACR expression. This pattern is atypical and requires correlation with H&E morphology. Further workup may be necessary.
When staining results are equivocal or patchy, correlation with H&E morphology, clinical history, and additional immunomarkers as recommended by the pathologist is advised.
Consult your oncologist, urologist, or treating physician if the biopsy report shows atypical or suspicious glands, if your PSA levels are elevated, or if the IHC panel results indicate malignancy. Timely consultation is essential for appropriate treatment planning and management of prostate cancer.
Limitations
- ⚠This panel provides immunohistochemical support and must be interpreted in conjunction with H&E morphology and clinical context
- ⚠Rare variants of prostate cancer may show atypical staining patterns for AMACR, p63, or CK5/6
- ⚠AMACR is not entirely specific to prostate cancer and can be positive in some benign mimickers
- ⚠Results are qualitative and do not provide quantitative data on tumor burden or grade
- ⚠Small or fragmented tissue samples may not yield sufficient material for all three markers
Risks & Considerations
- ●This test is performed on an already obtained biopsy specimen; no additional invasive procedure is required
- ●There is no direct risk to the patient from the IHC staining process itself
- ●A small possibility of inconclusive results may require repeat biopsy or additional testing
Interfering Factors
- ●Inadequate fixation of tissue specimen may affect antigen preservation and staining quality
- ●Excessive decalcification can degrade antigens and produce false-negative results
- ●Crush artifact or necrotic tissue may yield unreliable staining patterns
- ●Delay in fixation beyond recommended time may compromise immunoreactivity
- ●Prior treatment such as radiation or hormonal therapy may alter marker expression
Compare With Similar Tests
| Test | Immunohistochemistry Prostate Benign vs Malignant Panel Test | PSA Blood Test | Prostate Biopsy with H&E Staining | Prostate MRI |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Comparison | Immunohistochemistry Prostate Benign vs Malignant Panel Test | PSA is a screening blood test that detects elevated prostate-specific antigen levels. It indicates the need for further evaluation but cannot distinguish between benign and malignant conditions. The IHC panel provides tissue-level confirmation of malignancy. | Routine H&E staining is the standard first-line evaluation of prostate biopsy tissue. The IHC panel serves as a complementary test when H&E findings are equivocal or when a small focus of atypical glands requires confirmation. | MRI is an imaging modality used to identify suspicious areas in the prostate for targeted biopsy. It does not provide histological diagnosis. The IHC panel confirms the histological nature of the lesion at the protein expression level. |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Immunohistochemistry Prostate Benign vs Malignant Panel Test?
Why is this test recommended?
What do AMACR, p63, and CK5/6 indicate?
What sample is required for this test?
Is fasting required before this test?
What is the cost of this test at DNA Labs India?
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Is home sample collection available for this test?
Can this test confirm prostate cancer?
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Is this test the same as a PSA test?
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