Adipose tissue, commonly known as fat, is a type of body tissue made up of cells called adipocytes. These cells store energy, help cushion and protect internal organs, and provide insulation to maintain body temperature. Adipose tissue surrounds many organs throughout the body and is a normal part of the tissue layers examined in pathology …
Read More »
Anaplastic is an adjective used to describe tumor cells that have lost the normal appearance and organization of the tissue they came from. When a pathologist describes cells or a tumor as anaplastic, it means those cells look highly abnormal under the microscope — they have shed the specialized features of normal tissue and no …
Read More »
Adenosquamous carcinoma is a type of cancer that contains two distinct cell types within the same tumor: glandular cells and squamous cells. Glandular cells normally produce and release substances such as mucus or enzymes, while squamous cells form the flat surface layers of the skin and line many internal organs. Because it contains both cell …
Read More »
Atypia is a term pathologists use to describe cells that look abnormal under the microscope. The word comes from the Greek for “without type,” meaning the cells have lost some or all of the regular appearance expected of their cell type. Atypia can affect the size and shape of the cell itself, the appearance of …
Read More »
Apoptosis, often referred to as programmed cell death, is a natural and highly regulated process that occurs in all animals. It plays a crucial role in various biological functions, including development, tissue homeostasis, and the elimination of damaged or unnecessary cells. It is characterized by a series of well-orchestrated cellular events that lead to the …
Read More »
Adenocarcinoma is a type of cancer that starts in glandular cells — specialized cells that normally produce substances like mucus, hormones, or digestive juices. Glandular cells line the inside of many organs throughout the body, which is why adenocarcinoma is one of the most common types of cancer overall. When you see this word in …
Read More »
An adenoma is a noncancerous (benign) growth made up of glandular cells — the specialized cells found throughout the body that produce and release substances such as mucus, enzymes, and hormones. Adenomas can develop in many different organs and are one of the most commonly diagnosed types of benign tumor. Although most adenomas are not …
Read More »
Acute inflammation is the body’s immediate response to injury, infection, or irritation. It begins within minutes to hours of tissue damage and is the body’s way of fighting harmful invaders and starting the repair process. Unlike chronic inflammation, which develops slowly and can persist for months or years, acute inflammation is short-term — typically resolving …
Read More »
In pathology, “grade” is a term used to describe the appearance and behavior of cells within a tissue sample, typically in the context of cancerous tumors and precancerous conditions, as well as some noncancerous conditions. Grade is important because it provides clues about the potential for disease progression and guides treatment decisions. Grade of cancer …
Read More »
What does TNM stand for? TNM stands for Tumour, Nodes, and Metastasis. It is an internationally recognized staging system originally created by the American Joint Committee on Cancer. The stage will be included in your pathology report if you have been diagnosed with cancer. The TNM uses information about the tumour (T), lymph nodes, (N), …
Read More »
