Ovarian and Kidney Tumor Diagnosis - Immunohistochemistry: Wilms Tumor Protein (WT1)

Immunohistochemical (IHC) testing reveals the nuclear expression of the transcription factor WT1 (Wilms' Tumor Protein 1). WT1 is normally expressed during embryonic development in the kidneys and reproductive organs. In adults, it is primarily used as a diagnostic marker for serous ovarian cancer and primary peritoneal tumors, where it is often positive. It is also a sensitive marker for Wilms tumor (renal glioma) in children. However, it can also be expressed in other tumors, requiring careful interpretation in the context of other histological markers.