Tumour regression refers to the reduction in size or complete disappearance of a tumour, either spontaneously or as a result of treatment. In pathology, tumour regression is assessed by examining tissue samples to determine the extent of the decrease in tumour cell population and changes in the tumour’s structure. What causes tumour regression? Treatment-induced regression …
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A tumour capsule is a thin layer of tissue that separates a tumour from the surrounding healthy tissue. Some tumours are completely surrounded by this capsule—these tumours are described as encapsulated. Tumours without a capsule are called non-encapsulated. Both benign (non-cancerous) and malignant (cancerous) tumours can have a capsule. What does capsule invasion mean? Pathologists …
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Solar elastosis is a non-cancerous skin condition caused by excessive and long-term exposure to sunlight or other sources of ultraviolet (UV) radiation. It is also known as actinic elastosis or photoaging. Doctors consider solar elastosis a clear sign of sun damage, which occurs after years of sun exposure. What causes solar elastosis? Solar elastosis is …
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Hematopoietic cells are responsible for producing all the different types of blood cells in the body. The term “hematopoietic” comes from the Greek words “hema,” meaning blood, and “poiesis,” meaning formation. The process of creating these cells is called hematopoiesis. These cells are essential for the continuous production of blood cells, including red blood cells (RBCs), white blood …
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An addendum is an additional note or update added to a pathology report after the original report has been issued. It allows the pathologist to provide new information or to clarify findings already described. The addendum becomes a permanent part of your pathology report and should always be read together with the original document. Why …
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Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a very common virus transmitted through sexual contact. There are over 100 different types of HPV, and some are more likely than others to cause health problems, including cancer. HPV infects specific cells called squamous cells, which are normally found in areas such as the skin, mouth, throat, cervix, penis, and …
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Hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) are two special dyes that pathologists use to stain tissue samples, allowing them to be examined under a microscope. When tissue is removed from the body during a biopsy or surgery, it is processed and placed on glass slides for microscopic evaluation. However, without staining, the tissue appears nearly colorless, and the …
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Cryptitis is a word pathologists use to describe inflammation involving the tissue inside the colon. The inflammation is caused by specialized immune cells called neutrophils. It is an example of acute inflammation and is often seen in a condition called active colitis. What does cryptitis look like under the microscope? The tissue on the inside …
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In pathology, the term basal lymphoplasmacytosis is used to describe large groups of immune cells called lymphocytes and plasma cells within the layer of tissue that covers the inside of the colon. Because large groups of lymphocytes and plasma cells are not normally seen in the colon, this change is used to support the diagnosis …
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Crypt distortion describes changes that affect the size, shape, and number of crypts in the colon. Crypts are tiny, specialized glands lining the inner surface of the colon. Normally, these crypts are uniform, straight, and evenly spaced, resembling a neat row of test tubes. When crypt distortion occurs, these structures become irregular, shorter, fewer in …
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