Cytokeratin 17 and Ki-67: Immunohistochemical markers for the differential diagnosis of keratoacanthoma and squamous cell carcinoma

The clinical and histopathological distinction between keratoacanthoma (KA) and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is essential, but frequently difficult to make. The utility of CK17 and Ki-67 expression in distinguishing between KA and SCC was investigated. Immunohistochemical staining patterns for CK17 and Ki-67 were evaluated in 24 KA and 27 SCC cases. The pattern of staining was evaluated as central, peripheral or diffuse, according to the basal/peripheral and suprabasal/central cell staining of tumor lobules. The sensitivity and specificity of the central CK17 staining pattern in the identification of KA were 92 and 70%, respectively. Additionally, the sensitivity and specificity of the diffuse Ki-67 staining pattern in the identification of SCC were 81 and 100%, respectively. The results of the present study suggest that a diffuse Ki-67 staining pattern may be used to diagnose SCC, while a central CK17 staining pattern indicates KA. However, the KA-like SCC cases exhibited mixed patterns, which limits the effectiveness of these markers.