Abstract

In this study, we evaluated CEA, CD 15, calretinin, and mesothelin in the differential diagnosis of pleural mesothelioma and adenocarcinoma of the  lung. Sixtyone malignant mesothelioma and 48 lung adenocarcinoma cases were studied. Commercial antibodies to calretinin, mesothelin, CEA, and CD 15 were applied using the streptavidin-biotin-peroxidase complex procedure on formalin-fixed, paraffin wax-embedded tissue. According to our results, sensitivity and specificity in the diagnosis of mesothelioma was 86% and 81%, respectively for calretinin, and 68% and 81%, respectively for mesothelin. Sensitivity and specificity in the diagnosis of adenocarcinoma was 85% and 81% respectively for CEA, and 62% and 90% respectively for CD 15. CEA and CD 15 can be used as negative antibodies, and calretinin and mesothelin as positive antibodies in the diferential diagnosis of pleural mesothelioma and adenocarcinoma of the lung.