IMMUNOHISTOCHEMICAL DETECTION OF METASTATIC BREAST-CARCINOMA IN THE ORBITAL REGION

The diagnostic utility of immunohistochemistry in the often difficult diagnosis of metastatic breast carcinoma is illustrated in a case involving an unusual anatomic location, the orbital region. Immunohistochemical stains on suitably fixed tissue were able to demonstrate clearly metastatic carcinoma in what initially appeared to be an inflammatory infiltrate. A panel of AE1/AE3, epithelial membrane antigen, and BRST-2 antibodies was used with a streptavidin-biotin method. This case suggests that orbital biopsies be processed in a manner similar to lymph node biopsies.