Pathology question: E-Cadherin

LINDAGARSIDE

I noticed on my pathology report a comment: "strongly e-cadherin positive" and wondered what that comment might mean.  I've noticed that this (e-cadherin) isn't brought up too much when pathology reports are discussed.

My study so far on this topic indicates that e-cadherrin is some type of a protein that has bearing on the possibility of future metasis.  This connection is made even on low grade/stage tumors with no lymph involvement.

I am wondering if there is an obvious indicator/connection for e-cadherin and future cancers why this isn't discussed more often.  Has anyone else found this?

I'm wondering if there is a specific treatment or drug that is unique to e-cadherin protein and if we should be asking more about it?  There seems to be various new studies about e-cadherin on the internet and the link to secondary cancers.

MarieKelly

 I don't think they're using E-cadherin as any kind of prognostic indicator, so it's not always a test that everyone is going to see on their pathology report.  The one reason it's done that I'm aware of is when it's used to distinguish invasive lobular from invasive ductal since it's sometimes  otherwise a tough call for the pathologist.

All invasive lobular breast cancers (ILC) are E-cadherin NEGATIVE and all ductal breast cancers (IDC) have some variable degree of E-cadherin positivity.  ILC and IDC sometimes look very similar under the scope, so if a pathologisat is having a difficult time figuring out whether it's ILC or IDC, they'll just test the tissue for E-cadherin. If the test is completely negative, then they know it's not IDC.

LINDAGARSIDE

Thank you so much for such a clear response.  It makes sense, for sure. 

It is just a little scary when you read on the net about e-cadherin and the connection it has to future cancers forming at different sites.  You have helped me to ease my mind somewhat.  Thanks again.