definition

Low Grade Dysplasia: Definition

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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High Grade Dysplasia: Definition

High grade dysplasia is a precancerous change in which cells look very abnormal under the microscope. It is not cancer because the abnormal cells have not grown into the tissue below. Without treatment, however, high grade dysplasia has a real risk of turning into cancer. For this reason, doctors usually remove or treat it rather …
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Low Grade: Definition

In pathology, the term low grade describes cells that look abnormal under the microscope but still share some features with normal, healthy cells. To determine if cells are low grade, pathologists compare them to the normal cells typically found in the same part of the body. Low grade is different from high grade, which describes cells that …
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Cytologic Atypia: Definition

In pathology, cytologic atypia describes cells that look abnormal when examined under a microscope. Cells may show cytologic atypia because of their shape, size, or colour. These changes can affect the cytoplasm (body) of the cell or the nucleus (the part of the cell that holds the genetic material). Does cytologic atypia mean the cells …
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Interstitial Cells of Cajal: Definition

What are the interstitial cells of Cajal? Interstitial cells of Cajal are specialized cells that are normally found throughout the gastrointestinal tract, from the esophagus to the rectum. These cells receive signals from the nervous system and in turn, cause alternating contraction and relaxation of the muscular wall helping to move food through the gastrointestinal …
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Extraparenchymal Extension: Definition

In pathology, extraparenchymal extension (EPE) refers to the invasion (spread) of a tumor beyond the main tissue mass (the parenchyma) of an organ into surrounding tissues. This term is often used in the context of malignant (cancerous) tumours to describe tumor growth extending beyond the organ’s boundary and into adjacent structures or tissues. Why is …
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What is parenchyma?

What does parenchyma mean? In pathology, the term parenchyma refers to the tissue normally found within an organ. Specifically, it is made up of cells that carry out the specific function of the organ. As a result, the types of cells found in the parenchyma will depend on the organ being examined. For example, the …
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Fat Necrosis: Definition

Fat necrosis is a condition that happens when fat tissue in the body is damaged and the fat cells (adipose cells) die. The body responds by breaking down the dead cells and often replacing them with scar tissue. This process can result in firm, rounded, or irregular lumps in the affected area. These lumps may …
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Fibrinoid Necrosis: Definition

Fibrinoid necrosis is a pattern of tissue damage (a type of necrosis) in which a bright pink, fibrin-like material builds up inside the wall of a blood vessel. It develops when the wall of a blood vessel is badly injured, allowing proteins from the blood to leak into and replace the normal wall. The name …
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What is MDM2?

What is MDM2? MDM2 is a gene that promotes cell division (the creation of new cells). Normal cells and those in non-cancerous tumours have two copies of the MDM2 gene. In contrast, cancerous tumours such as atypical lipomatous tumour/well differentiated liposarcoma have more than two copies of the MDM2 gene. How do pathologists test for …
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