CD30

MyPathologyReport
September 24, 2023

CD30 is a protein made primarily by activated immune cells such as T cells and B cells. Some types of cancers that start from T cells or B cells, such as anaplastic large cell lymphoma and Hodgkin lymphoma also express CD30. The tumour cells in embryonal carcinoma, a type of cancer that often involves the male testis, also make CD30.

Pathologists often test for CD30 to determine if the changes seen under the microscope are associated with a CD30-producing tumour, such as anaplastic large cell lymphoma, Hodgkin lymphoma, or embryonal carcinoma. This is particularly important for anaplastic large cell lymphoma and Hodgkin lymphoma because the tumour cells in these types of cancer can be difficult to see on the routinely performed hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) stained slide.

Two common tests used to look for CD30 in a tissue sample are immunohistochemistry and flow cytometry. Immunohistochemistry is performed on a tissue sample attached to a glass slide. The slide is then examined under a microscope. Flow cytometry uses a special machine to count and analyze the number of cells in a tissue sample that were making CD30.

About this article

This article was written by doctors to help you read and understand your pathology report. Contact us if you have questions about this article or your pathology report. For a complete introduction to your pathology report, read this article.

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