Immunohistochemistry is highly dependent on tissue fixation and histologic processing. We compared the results of estrogen and progesterone receptor quantitation determined by using both a biochemical method and an immunohistochemical method related with tissue preparation, either in the microwave oven or in the stove. The group of cases whose tissues were processed in the microwave oven did not present statistical correlation between the methods (p = 0,098 to estrogen receptor; p = 0,5 to progesterone receptor). There was good correlation between the methods in tissues which were processed in the stove (p = 0,0447 and Q = 0,76 for estrogen receptor; p = 0,0472 and Q = 0,764 for progesterone receptor). We conclude that immunohistochemistry for hormone receptors in breast cancer is a reality. It is feasible since some cautions are taken in the fixation and processing. External controls appropriated to the reality of a given laboratory should always be used.
Breast cancer; Immunohistochemistry; Cytosol assay; Hormone receptors
