Glossary
Immunohistochemistry
(IH-myoo-noh-HIS-toh-KEH-mih-stree)
A laboratory method that uses antibodies to check for certain antigens (markers) in a sample of tissue. The antibodies are usually linked to an enzyme or a fluorescent dye. After the antibodies bind to the antigen in the tissue sample, the enzyme or dye is activated, and the antigen can then be seen under a microscope. Immunohistochemistry is used to help diagnose diseases, such as cancer. It may also be used to help tell the difference between different types of cancer.
Definition from the National Cancer Institute’s NCI Dictionary of Cancer Terms.