D2-40 is a protein normally found in the cells lining the lymphatic vessels, which are part of the body’s immune system. These vessels help drain fluid from tissues and transport immune cells. This protein can also be found in other types of cells, allowing pathologists to identify specific tumours made up of these cells. What …
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In pathology, the word amorphous means “without a clear shape or structure.” When a pathologist uses this term in a report, it describes material seen under the microscope that appears shapeless, featureless, or disorganized — lacking the defined outlines and patterns of normal cells or tissue. Amorphous material is not a diagnosis on its own, …
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Neuroendocrine differentiation is a term pathologists use to describe cells that exhibit features of both nerve cells and hormone-producing cells. These cells are capable of producing, storing, and releasing hormones, much like cells in the nervous and endocrine systems. Neuroendocrine differentiation can be seen in both normal tissues and tumours. When seen in a tumour, …
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Macrophages are a type of white blood cell that plays a vital role in protecting the body from infection and in keeping tissues healthy. Their name comes from Greek words meaning “big eaters,” because they can surround, swallow, and digest harmful substances such as bacteria, viruses, and dead cells — a process called phagocytosis. Macrophages …
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The term “peripheral nerve sheath tumour” (PNST) refers to a group of tumours that arise from the nerve sheath, which is the protective covering of the peripheral nerves. These nerves are the ones that extend outside the central nervous system (brain and spinal cord) to the rest of the body. The nerve sheath is made …
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In pathology, the term “blastoid” refers to cells that have features resembling immature precursor cells, known as blasts, which are typically found in the bone marrow. These cells are generally considered abnormal and can be indicative of aggressive and rapidly proliferating diseases, often seen in certain types of cancers. Microscopic features of blastoid cells Blastoid …
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In pathology, the term “blasts” refers to immature cells in the early stages of development into mature cells. These cells are typically found in the bone marrow, which is part of the normal process of blood cell formation known as hematopoiesis. Blasts can develop into various types of blood cells, such as red blood cells, white …
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Calcitonin is a hormone produced by specialized cells in the thyroid gland called C cells (also known as parafollicular cells). Its primary role in the body is to help regulate blood calcium levels — when calcium levels rise too high, calcitonin lowers them by slowing bone breakdown and reducing the release of calcium into the …
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In pathology, the term malignant transformation describes the development of a malignant (cancerous) tumour from a benign (noncancerous) tumour or a precancerous disease. Malignant transformation is important because the cells in the malignant tumour can grow into nearby tissues and metastasize (spread) to distant organs such as lymph nodes and the lungs. Common conditions that …
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Edematous is a term used to describe the accumulation of clear, water-like fluid inside tissue. It is also called edema. A tissue becomes edematous when a specialized type of fluid called serum leaks out of blood vessels and into the surrounding tissue. Tissue can become edematous as a result of congestive heart failure, liver disease, …
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