In pathology, erosion refers to the superficial loss of epithelial tissue, specifically the epithelium that covers the surfaces or lines the cavities of organs. Unlike ulcers, erosions do not extend into the underlying submucosa or subcutaneous tissues; they are confined to the loss of the epithelial layer only. This distinction is crucial for understanding the …
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What does minimally invasive mean? Minimally invasive is a term pathologists use to describe cancer that has only spread a small distance into the non-cancerous surrounding tissue. For example, a type of cancer called squamous cell carcinoma in the mouth may be called minimally invasive if it has spread less than 0.5 cm into the …
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S100 is the name of a family of proteins found inside certain types of cells in the body. These proteins help cells respond to changes in their environment by regulating processes like growth, movement, and communication. The name “S100” comes from the fact that the proteins are soluble in a solution made with 100% saturated …
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Hepatocytes are the main type of cell that make up the liver. They are responsible for many important functions, including storing energy, making proteins, and breaking down toxins. A ballooning hepatocyte is a damaged liver cell that has swollen to several times its normal size. Pathologists use the word “ballooning” because the cell looks puffed …
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Cholestasis is a condition in which the flow of bile is reduced or blocked. Bile is a fluid made by the liver that helps digest fats and remove waste products from the body. When bile cannot flow normally, it accumulates in the liver and bloodstream, leading to symptoms and damage to liver cells over time. …
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What is an autoimmune disease? The immune system is designed to protect our body from infections and to help it heal after an injury. An autoimmune disease is a condition that develops when the immune system inappropriately damages normal, healthy tissue in the body. The damage can be caused directly by immune cells or specialized …
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A xanthoma is a type of growth that forms under the skin or in other tissues of the body. It is made up of fat-filled cells called foamy histiocytes, which are a type of immune cell that has absorbed fat. Xanthomas can appear anywhere on the body but are most commonly found on the skin. …
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Histiocytes are a type of immune cell that are part of the body’s defense mechanism against infections and foreign substances. They belong to the mononuclear phagocyte system including monocytes in the blood and macrophages in tissues. Histiocytes play an important role in the immune system’s response to pathogens and tissue repair and maintenance. They are …
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In pathology, hypocellular describes tissue or organs that contain fewer cells than expected. A decrease in the number of cells can occur naturally with age or result from certain medical conditions, treatments, or injuries. Hypocellularity can affect different types of tissues, but is most commonly discussed in relation to tumours or bone marrow. What causes hypocellular tissue? …
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What does hypercellular mean? Hypercellular is a term pathologists use to describe an increased number of cells compared to normal in an area of the body. It is a descriptive term and not a diagnosis. Hypercellular can be used to describe both benign (non-cancerous) groups of cells and malignant (cancerous) tumours. Pathologists commonly use the …
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