Cytokeratin 5/6

Term: Cytokeratin 5/6Definition: Cytokeratin 5/6 is a pair of proteins used as immunohistochemical markers to help distinguish between different types of lung cancers, particularly in the context of asbestos exposure.Phonetic Pronunciation: (sye-toe-KER-a-tin five-six)Origin: The term "cytokeratin" originates from the Greek words "kytos," meaning cell, and "keras," meaning horn, reflecting the protein's role in the cellular structure. The numbers 5 and 6 refer to specific subtypes within the cytokeratin family, which are identified through biochemical and genetic analysis.Significance in Asbestos Context: Cytokeratin 5/6 is significant in asbestos-related cases because it aids in the differential diagnosis of mesothelioma, a cancer strongly linked to asbestos exposure. Its presence can help differentiate mesothelioma from other lung cancers, which is crucial for accurate diagnosis and subsequent legal proceedings.Example Sentence: The pathologist used the presence of Cytokeratin 5/6 in the biopsy to confirm the diagnosis of mesothelioma in the patient with a history of asbestos exposure.Related Terms: Mesothelioma, Immunohistochemistry, Biomarker, Lung Cancer, AsbestosisNotes: - Cytokeratin 5/6 is not a definitive marker but is used in conjunction with other tests. - It is important for legal cases involving asbestos to have a clear and accurate diagnosis, which Cytokeratin 5/6 can help provide.