Atypical mitotic figure

by Jason Wasserman MD PhD FRCPC
May 26, 2022

What is an atypical mitotic figure?

Eukaryotic cells, including those in the human body, use a process called mitosis to divide and create new cells. An atypical mitotic figure is an abnormal dividing cell. As a result of this abnormal cell division, the newly created cells receive an unequal amount of genetic material (DNA) and are unable to function normally. Atypical mitotic figures are commonly seen in cancers; they are rarely seen in other conditions, such as tissue that has been exposed to radiation. Another name for an atypical mitotic figure is atypical mitosis.

atypical mitotic figure

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