Chromogranin is a family of proteins primarily found in neuroendocrine cells—specialized cells that release hormones into the blood in response to signals from the nervous system. The main types are chromogranin A, B, and C. These proteins play a crucial role in the storage and release of hormones. Why do pathologists test for chromogranin? Pathologists …
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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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HMB-45 (Human Melanoma Black-45) is an antibody used by pathologists to detect a protein called gp100. This protein is normally found in melanocytes—cells that produce melanin, the pigment responsible for skin, hair, and eye color. Melanocytes are mostly located in the skin but can also appear in mucosal areas (like the mouth) and eyes. Because …
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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 describes cancer cells that have entered and are present inside blood vessels. Also called vascular invasion, it is significant because blood vessels provide a direct route for cancer cells to travel from the original tumor to distant organs such as the liver, lungs, bones, or brain — a process called metastasis. Finding angioinvasion in …
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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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Neuroendocrine carcinoma (NEC) is a type of cancer composed of cells that exhibit features of both nerve cells and hormone-producing cells, also known as neuroendocrine cells. These cancers are considered high-grade tumours, which means they tend to grow quickly and may spread to other parts of the body. Neuroendocrine carcinomas can start in many different …
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A neuroendocrine tumor (NET) is a type of cancer that starts from neuroendocrine cells. These are specialized cells with features of both nerve cells and hormone-producing cells that help regulate important body functions by releasing hormones in response to signals from the nervous system. Neuroendocrine cells are found throughout the body, which means neuroendocrine tumors …
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In a pathology report, the term nuclear atypia is used to describe cells that have abnormal-looking nuclei when examined under a microscope. The nucleus is the part of the cell that contains its genetic material (DNA) and controls how the cell functions. Pathologists use the word “atypia” to mean that something looks unusual or different …
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Low grade dysplasia is a precancerous condition characterized by mildly abnormal cells that grow differently from normal, healthy cells. When examined under a microscope, these abnormal cells still closely resemble normal cells, which is why the condition is termed “low grade.” This is in contrast to high grade dysplasia, where the cells appear more abnormal …
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