HBME-1, which stands for “Hector Battifora mesothelial-1,” is an antibody that binds to a specific protein called mesothelin. It is primarily used in pathology to help identify specific types of cells, particularly in the diagnosis of certain tumours. The marker is most commonly associated with mesothelial cells (which line the body’s cavities) and some types …
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What is HMB-45? HMB-45 (Human Melanoma Black-45) is an antibody that binds to a protein called gp100. This protein is expressed in cells called melanocytes and tumours made up of melanocytes, including melanoma. How is HMB-45 used in pathology? HMB-45 staining is commonly used by pathologists to aid in the diagnosis and classification of tumors …
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In pathology, vascular invasion (or angioinvasion) refers to the presence of cancer cells within the blood vessels, including veins and arteries. This finding is significant because it indicates a higher potential for the cancer to metastasize (spread) to other parts of the body, which can occur through any of these vessel types. Why is vascular …
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Angioinvasion in pathology refers to the invasion of blood vessels by tumour cells or other pathological processes. This term is most commonly used in the context of cancer, where angioinvasion indicates that malignant (cancerous) cells are invading into and potentially spreading through the blood vessels. This process can lead to metastasis, which is the spread …
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What is a well differentiated neuroendocrine tumour? A well differentiated neuroendocrine tumour (NET) is a type of cancer made up of specialized neuroendocrine cells. The tumour is described as “well differentiated” because the cells in the tumour look very similar to normal, healthy neuroendocrine cells. These tumours can be found almost anywhere in the body. …
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What is a neuroendocrine carcinoma? Neuroendocrine carcinoma (NEC) is a type of cancer made up of specialized neuroendocrine cells. Neuroendocrine carcinoma can be found almost anywhere in the body. Other names for this type of cancer are poorly differentiated neuroendocrine carcinoma and poorly differentiated neuroendocrine neoplasm (NEN). What are neuroendocrine cells? Neuroendocrine cells are a …
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A neuroendocrine tumor is a type of growth that starts in specialized neuroendocrine cells. These cells have features of both nerve cells and hormone-producing cells. Neuroendocrine cells are found throughout the body and help control many important functions by releasing hormones in response to signals from the nervous system. Where are neuroendocrine tumors commonly found …
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In pathology, nuclear atypia is used to describe a nucleus that is abnormal in size, shape, or colour when examined under a microscope. The nucleus (the term nuclei is used to describe more than one) is the part of the cell that holds the genetic material or DNA. A cell may be described as showing …
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Low grade dysplasia is an abnormal pattern of cell growth that has the potential to develop into cancer over time. The term low grade is used because the abnormal cells still look similar to normal, healthy cells when examined under the microscope. This is different from high grade dysplasia, where the abnormal cells look more …
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What does high grade dysplasia mean? High grade dysplasia is an abnormal pattern of growth that can turn into cancer over time. This change is described as “high grade” because the cells look very abnormal when examined under the microscope. Does high grade dysplasia mean cancer? High grade dysplasia does not mean cancer but if …
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