Role of immunohistochemistry in the diagnosis of central nervous system tumors.

Although the conventional hematoxylin and eosin (H and E) staining is vital for the histological diagnosis of lesions, the role of immunohistochemistry (IHC) is undeniable in surgical pathology. Morphology, which looks more or less similar on H and E staining, can be further differentiated by merely doing IHC. This, in turn, not only helps in rendering a definitive diagnosis but also helps in the selection of appropriate therapy for the individual patient. Thus, IHC has become an integral part of the armamentarium of neuropathology.