In pathology, the term ‘reactive changes’ is used to describe cells or tissues that look abnormal as a result of alterations in their environment. These changes can include infection, physical injury, medication, and inflammation. By definition, these changes are benign (non-cancerous) in nature. Anything that alters the environment of a tissue can cause the cells …
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Tubal metaplasia is a non-cancerous (benign) change where the normal cells in an organ or tissue are replaced by cells that look like those normally found in the fallopian tube. These tubal-type cells often have tiny hair-like structures called cilia. Cilia help move fluid or mucus across the surface of the tissue, similar to how …
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The uterus is a pear-shaped hollow organ found in the female pelvis between the rectum (the end of the large bowel) and the urinary bladder. The upper part (fundus) is attached to the fallopian tubes while the lower part is connected to the vagina through the uterine cervix. The walls of the uterus are made …
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Eosinophils are a type of white blood cell (WBC) and a part of the body’s innate immune system. They help protect the body against allergens and infections. When examined under the microscope, eosinophils are small cells with bright pink cytoplasm. The cytoplasm of the cell is filled with small round granules and the nucleus has …
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Direct immunofluorescence (DIF) is a specialized laboratory test pathologists use to identify specific proteins within a tissue sample. This test involves using antibodies attached to a fluorescent dye that glows brightly under a special microscope. By lighting up these proteins, DIF helps pathologists see their location and pattern within the tissue. Why is direct immunofluorescence …
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Non-necrotizing granulomatous inflammation is a term used by pathologists to describe a specific type of long-lasting or chronic inflammation seen in the body. It occurs when your immune system forms small, round structures called granulomas to isolate and remove something it sees as harmful. Granulomas act like barriers, helping to surround and contain the harmful …
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Necrotizing granulomatous inflammation is a specific pattern of long-standing or chronic inflammation seen under the microscope. It occurs when the immune system attempts to isolate and eliminate a harmful substance, such as an infection, foreign material, or a component of an autoimmune response. The word “necrotizing” refers to the presence of dead tissue in the …
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In pathology, the term “focal” refers to something that is localized or limited to a specific area or spot, rather than being diffusely spread out or affecting a large area of tissue. When used to describe disease processes, abnormalities, or lesions, “focal” indicates that the changes or effects are confined to one or relatively small, …
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In pathology, the term distal is used to describe a part of an organ or tissue farther from the middle or center of the body than another part of the organ or tissue being examined. The opposite of distal is proximal. For example, the colon is a long tube that starts at the end of …
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In pathology, the term proximal describes the part of a tissue or organ closest to the center (midline) of the body. Doctors and pathologists use this term to explain the location of tumours, lesions, or specific areas within an organ. For example, the colon (large intestine) is a long tube divided into six sections: the …
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