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Tumor Discovery

REVIEW ARTICLE
Immunocytochemistry profiling of ovarian

cysts: A review of its clinical utility, future
direction, and challenges

2
Owajioniro Godstime Mordecai 1† , Yibala Ibor Oboma * , and Raphael Teme 3†
1 Department of Histopathology and Cytology, Faculty of Medical Laboratory Science, Federal
University, Otuoke, Bayelsa State, Nigeria
2 Department of Medical Laboratory Science, School of Allied Health Sciences, Kampala International
University Western Campus, Kampala, Uganda
3 Department of Histopathology/Cytopathology, Faculty of Medical Laboratory Science, Rivers State
University, Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria

Abstract

Ovarian cysts are fluid-filled sacs located in or on the surface of the ovaries. They can
affect women of all ages but are most commonly seen in those of reproductive age
and postmenopausal women. The two primary types of ovarian cysts are functional
and pathological. Due to their asymptomatic nature, ovarian cysts are frequently
† These authors contributed equally diagnosed at later stages, potentially limiting therapeutic options and negatively
to this work. affecting patient outcomes. Early detection requires diagnostic modalities that
*Corresponding author: can differentiate between benign and malignant ovarian lesions. One promising
Yibala Ibor Oboma approach is the use of immunocytochemistry (ICC) in the diagnosis of ovarian cysts,
(yibalaoboma@kiu.ac.ug)
a rapidly evolving method in ovarian pathology. ICC utilizes antibodies to detect
Citation: Mordecai OG, Oboma YI, and visualize specific cellular antigens (proteins) in cytology specimens, serving as
Teme R. Immunocytochemistry
profiling of ovarian cysts: A review an ancillary diagnostic technique for establishing empirical diagnoses, predicting
of its clinical utility, future direction, biomarkers, and assessing prognosis. A standard ICC protocol entails sample
and challenges. Tumor Discov. preparation, fixation, permeabilization, blocking, immunolabeling, counter-staining,
2025;4(1):14-26.
doi: 10.36922/td.5369 and microscopic imaging of stained cells. Specific biomarkers play a significant role
in distinguishing between benign and malignant ovarian cysts. Commonly used
Received: October 21, 2024 biomarkers include Cancer antigen 125, Ki-67, p53, HE4, and WT1. Future directions
1st revised: December 9, 2024 in this field are likely to focus on multiplex ICC, the discovery of novel biomarkers,
2nd revised: December 16, 2024 the integration of artificial intelligence with other diagnostic modalities, and
improving the standardization of ICC practice. Integrating these biomarkers into
Accepted: December 16, 2024 ovarian pathology will enable accurate diagnosis with reduced turnaround times,
Published online: January 9, 2025 overcoming the limitations of hematoxylin and eosin staining methods.
Copyright: © 2025 Author(s).
This is an Open-Access article
distributed under the terms of the Keywords: Immunocytochemistry; Profiling; Ovarian cyst; Review
Creative Commons Attribution
License, permitting distribution,
and reproduction in any medium,
provided the original work is
properly cited. 1. Introduction
Publisher’s Note: AccScience Ovarian cysts, also known as adnexal cysts, are among the plethora of gynecological
Publishing remains neutral with challenges faced by clinicians every day. These cysts are best described as fluid-filled sacs
regard to jurisdictional claims in
published maps and institutional located inside or on the epithelial surface of the ovaries. While ovarian cysts can occur
affiliations. in females of all ages, they are more prevalent in those of reproductive age, particularly

Volume 4 Issue 1 (2025) 14 doi: 10.36922/td.5369