Unknown Primary Site Carcinomas - The Role of Cytokeratins 7 and 20

Cytokeratins 7 and 20 are expressed differently among carcinomas of distinct organs and can be used to determine whether a metastatic focus is, for example, from colon or pancreas. However, it is important to analyze the information obtained with these markers with the clinical history and other complementary exams before any definite conclusion. The table below summarizes the immunophenotype of some carcinomas.

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