D2-40 (Podoplanin)

Term: D2-40 (Podoplanin)Definition: D2-40, also known as Podoplanin, is a specific immunohistochemical marker used to identify lymphatic endothelium and certain types of cells in mesothelioma, aiding in the diagnosis of asbestos-related diseases.Phonetic Pronunciation: (DEE-two-forty) (poh-doh-PLAN-in)Origin: The term D2-40 is derived from the clone name of the monoclonal antibody used in the immunohistochemical staining process. Podoplanin, on the other hand, originates from the Greek words "podo," meaning foot, and "planos," meaning wandering, due to its initial discovery in the foot processes of podocytes in the kidney.Significance in Asbestos Context: In the context of asbestos exposure, D2-40 is significant because it helps pathologists differentiate mesothelioma from other types of cancer, which is crucial for accurate diagnosis and subsequent legal claims. Its specificity to certain cell types makes it a valuable tool in identifying asbestos-related diseases.Example Sentence: "The pathologist used D2-40 staining to confirm the presence of mesothelioma in the patient who had a history of asbestos exposure."Related Terms: Mesothelioma, Immunohistochemistry, Biomarker, Lymphatic endothelium, Asbestos-related diseaseNotes: - D2-40 is not exclusive to mesothelioma and can be found in other types of cancers as well. - It is crucial to use D2-40 in conjunction with other markers for a comprehensive diagnosis.