The Immunohistochemistry test is used to diagnose cancer by detecting a specific type of antibody attached to the antigen on the cell surface. The purpose of the special staining technique is to detect molecules which are usually markers specifying whether the cancer is benign or malignant. Hence, IHC meaning and its application are predominantly found in diagnosing cancer.
Doctors prescribe the Immunohistochemistry test to suspect the patient has either cancer or a tumour in some body part/ bone marrow /blood / body fluids.
The test helps in identifying the stage and the grade of the tumour orthe cells. Also, the test is crucial in the identification of the cell type as well as the level of metastasis.