IMMUNOHISTOCHEMISTRY, CALRETININ

What this test checks

Detects calretinin protein, a marker expressed in mesothelial cells (cells lining body cavities). Key for diagnosing mesothelioma (cancer of the lining of the lung or abdomen) and differentiating it from lung adenocarcinoma.

Why do people get this test?

Mesothelioma has a very different prognosis and treatment approach compared to lung cancer. Calretinin positivity strongly supports mesothelioma diagnosis — crucial for legal, treatment, and prognostic purposes.

When you should consider this test

• When a chest tumour or pleural mass needs to be classified
• When differentiating mesothelioma from lung adenocarcinoma
• When investigating possible asbestos-related cancer

How to prepare

No preparation needed — performed on biopsy or surgical tissue.