Description
Cytokeratin 14 (CK14) belongs to the type I (or A or acidic) subfamily of low molecular weight keratins and exists in combination with keratin 5 (type II or B or basic). Cytokeratin 14 is found in basal cells of squamous epithelia, some glandular epithelia, myoepithelium, and mesothelial cells. antibody to cytokeratin 14 is useful in differentiating squamous cell carcinomas from poorly differentiated epithelial tumors. cytokeratin 14 antibody is one of the specific basal markers for distinguishing between basal and non-basal subtypes of breast carcinomas. Cytokeratin 14 antibody is also a good marker for differentiation of intraductal from invasive salivary duct carcinoma by the positive staining of basal cells surrounding the in-situ neoplasm as well as for differentiation of benign prostate from prostate carcinoma. Furthermore, this antibody has been useful in separating oncocytic tumors of the kidney from its renal mimics, and in identifying metaplastic carcinomas of the breast