Differential expression of MOC‑31, Hep Par 1, and N‑cadherin in primary carcinoma and metastatic adenocarcinoma in the liver

Background Immunohistochemistry plays a crucial role in the diagnosis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and in its distinction from other primary and metastatic neoplasms. In this study, we examined the expression of MOC‑31 (Anti-epithelial cell adhesion molecule monoclonal antibody, clone number-31), hepatocyte paraffin 1 (Hep Par 1), and N‑cadherin in primary carcinoma and metastatic adenocarcinoma (AC) in the liver. Aim The aim of this study was to evaluate the usefulness of MOC‑31, Hep Par 1, and N‑cadherin in the differential diagnosis of primary carcinoma and metastatic AC in the liver. Materials and methods The present study included 56 specimens from cases of primary and metastatic liver tumors, including 20 primary HCCs in the liver, five intrahepatic cholangiocarcinomas, and 31 metastatic ACs in the liver. They were studied to evaluate MOC‑31, Hep Par 1, and N‑cadherin expression using immunohistochemistry. Results The sensitivity of MOC‑31 for AC in the studied group was 97.2%, whereas its specificity was 90%. The sensitivity of Hep Par 1 for HCC was 75%, whereas its specificity was 100%. The sensitivity of N‑cadherin for primary liver carcinoma was 72%, whereas its specificity was 83.9%. Using the combination of the three antibodies, a final diagnosis could be established in 52 of 56 (92.9%) cases of studied group. In conclusion, a panel of these three antibodies can be helpful in the distinction between primary carcinoma and metastatic AC in the liver.