Image 12 of 14



Image Description

Immunohistochemical workup is not necessary for cases with typical small cell morphology. Large cell neuroendocrine carcinomas (LCNECs) have to be distinguished from poorly-differentiated adenocarcinomas or squamous cell carcinomas. LCNECs are diffusely positive for epithelial markers and show variable staining for neuroendocrine markers (chromogranin, synaptophysin, CD56). The image shows CD56 positivity in a small cell carcinoma of gallbladder. The staining for some of the markers may be negative, only focal, or weak. Additional helpful markers include overexpression of p53 and loss of RB1.

Image 12 of 14