Ghost cells are a specific type of dead cell seen under the microscope in certain medical conditions. They are called “ghost” cells because they appear as pale, empty outlines of the original cell, almost as if the cell is a shadow or “ghost” of itself. These cells no longer function and have lost their internal …
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Hematopoiesis is the process by which the body produces new blood cells. The word comes from the Greek words “hema,” meaning blood, and “poiesis,” meaning formation. Hematopoiesis is essential for maintaining the body’s supply of red blood cells (RBCs), white blood cells (WBCs), and platelets, which are all crucial for carrying oxygen, fighting infections, and …
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Definition: A chondroid tumour is a type of growth or mass that contains tissue resembling cartilage. Cartilage is the firm, flexible tissue found in joints, the respiratory tract, and other body parts. Chondroid tumours can be benign (noncancerous) or malignant (cancerous). When is this term used in a pathology report? The term “chondroid tumour” is …
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Definition: In pathology, chondroid refers to tissue that looks and behaves like cartilage. Cartilage is a firm, flexible tissue found in various body parts, such as the joints and respiratory tract. What does chondroid tissue look like under the microscope? Chondroid tissue appears glassy and smooth under the microscope and is made up of cells …
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Definition: Comedonecrosis is a pattern of cell death seen in certain types of tumours. The word “comedo” comes from a term used to describe a blocked pore, and “necrosis” means dead tissue. In the context of cancer, comedonecrosis describes dead cancer cells found in clusters within a tumour. These cells often die because they are …
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Anaplasia is a term for tumour cells that have lost their normal structure and function. Anaplastic tumour cells look very different from the normal cells from which they originated. Key features of anaplasia include: Loss of differentiation: Normal cells are specialized and have specific functions. In anaplasia, cells lose this specialization and no longer perform …
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A “fibromyxoid tumour” is not a specific diagnosis but a descriptive term that refers to various benign (noncancerous) or malignant (cancerous) tumours characterized by the presence of fibrous and myxoid tissue components. These tumours can arise in both soft tissues and bone throughout the body, and their behaviour depends on whether they are ultimately determined …
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Lymphoblasts are immature cells that develop into lymphocytes, a type of white blood cell that is integral to the immune system. They are part of the body’s adaptive immune response, responsible for fighting infections and providing long-term immunity. Where are lymphoblasts normally found? Lymphoblasts are primarily found in the bone marrow, the soft, spongy center …
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ECL cell hyperplasia refers to an increase in the number of enterochromaffin-like (ECL) cells within the stomach lining. ECL cells are neuroendocrine cells that play an important role in the regulation of acid production in the stomach. Where are ECL (enterochromaffin-like) cells normally found, and what do they do? ECL cells are normally found in …
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Intranuclear inclusions are abnormal collections of protein or other material found within the nucleus of a cell. These inclusions appear as rounded, compact masses that are often distinct from the surrounding nuclear material because of their colour, density, or composition. Medical conditions associated with intranuclear inclusions Intranuclear inclusions are associated with various medical conditions, the …
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