SOX10

SOX10 is a protein that plays an important role in the development of specific cell types in the body, particularly those involved in the nervous system and pigment-producing cells. Pathologists use tests to detect SOX10 in tissue samples, as it is commonly expressed in specific tumours. This helps diagnose and differentiate between various types of tumours.

What types of cells normally express SOX10?

SOX10 is normally expressed in cells of the nervous system, particularly Schwann cells, which wrap around and protect nerve fibres. It is also found in melanocytes, which produce pigment in the skin. SOX10 can also be expressed in myoepithelial cells found in the breast, salivary glands, and other tissues.

What types of tumours express SOX10?

SOX10 is expressed in various tumours that arise from Schwann cells, melanocytes, and myoepithelial cells. These tumours can be benign (non-cancerous) or malignant (cancerous).

Benign (non-cancerous) tumours that express SOX10:

• Schwannoma: A benign tumour that develops from Schwann cells, which are part of the protective sheath around nerves.
• Melanocytic nevi (moles): These are common, harmless growths of melanocytes, the pigment-producing cells in the skin.
• Pleomorphic adenoma: A benign tumour of the salivary glands that can express SOX10.

Malignant (cancerous) tumours that express SOX10:

• Malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumour (MPNST): A rare cancer that arises from the cells surrounding nerves, often seen in people with neurofibromatosis.
• Melanoma: A type of skin cancer that arises from melanocytes. SOX10 is often used to help confirm the diagnosis of melanoma.
• Acinic cell carcinoma: A cancer of the salivary glands that can express SOX10 in some cases.
• Myoepithelial carcinoma: A malignant tumour that arises from myoepithelial cells, often found in the salivary glands or skin, and can express SOX10.
• Epithelial-myoepithelial carcinoma: A rare cancer that arises from both epithelial and myoepithelial cells, often found in the salivary glands.

How do pathologists test for SOX10?

Pathologists use a test called immunohistochemistry (IHC) to look for SOX10 in tissue samples. In this test, a small piece of tissue is treated with special antibodies that bind to the SOX10 protein. If the tissue contains SOX10, the antibodies will cause the cells to change colour, which the pathologist can see under a microscope. A positive result means that the cells are expressing SOX10, while a negative result means they are not. This test helps pathologists identify specific types of tumours, particularly those involving nerves, melanocytes, and myoepithelial cells.

When do pathologists perform this test?

Pathologists perform this test when they need to confirm the presence of specific cell types, such as Schwann cells or melanocytes, in a tumour. It is especially useful in diagnosing melanoma, schwannoma, or myoepithelial tumours. SOX10 testing is often performed when the diagnosis is unclear, and other tests are inconclusive.

About this article

Doctors wrote this article 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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