In pathology, the term papillary is used to describe finger-like projections of tissue with cells lining the outside surface of the tissue and a central fibrovascular core. Pathologists use the term micropapillary to describe similar but smaller projections of tissue. Papillary growth is most commonly seen in tumours including both benign (noncancerous) and malignant (cancerous) …
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Non-small cell carcinoma is a general term doctors use to describe a large group of cancers composed of large, abnormal-looking cells. Most of the time, this term refers to cancers that originate in the lungs, although it can also be used to describe cancers that begin in other parts of the body. About 85% of …
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Myxoid is a descriptive term pathologists use to describe tissue that has a gel-like, loose, or mucus-rich appearance when examined under the microscope. The word comes from the Greek myxa, meaning mucus. When tissue is described as myxoid, it means the space between the cells contains a large amount of a soft, jelly-like material, rather …
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Melanoma is a type of cancer that starts in cells called melanocytes. These cells are found in the skin and produce melanin, a pigment that gives your skin its color. Melanocytes are also found in mucosal tissues, such as the lining of the mouth, nose, and rectum. Melanoma occurs when these cells grow out of …
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The word “mass” in a pathology report refers to an area of tissue that is larger than normal. It is a broad term used to describe a lump or abnormal growth that can be seen or felt during a physical examination or detected using imaging tests like an X-ray or MRI. A mass can occur …
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Metaplasia describes a process in which one type of normal tissue in your body is replaced by a different kind of normal tissue not usually found in that location. This change typically occurs because the tissue responds to ongoing stress, irritation, or injury. Metaplasia can happen in many parts of the body, including the esophagus, …
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Intestinal metaplasia is a change that occurs when the cells that normally line an organ are replaced by cells that resemble those found in the intestine. The word metaplasia means that one type of normal cell has been replaced by another type of normal cell that is not usually found in that location. In intestinal …
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Immunoglobulins are special proteins made by plasma cells, a type of white blood cell that develops from B cells. Immunoglobulins are also called antibodies. Their primary role is to protect the body by recognizing and attaching to harmful substances such as bacteria, viruses, and toxins. Once an immunoglobulin attaches to a target, it marks it …
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Hyperplasia is a non-cancerous condition characterized by an increased number of cells within a tissue or organ. This increase in cell number can cause the affected tissue to grow larger or thicker. Hyperplastic is another term commonly used to describe tissues that have undergone hyperplasia. This change can only be seen when the tissue is …
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The Fuhrman grade is a system used to classify the aggressiveness of renal cell carcinoma (RCC), which is the most common type of kidney cancer. Developed by Gary A. Fuhrman in the 1980s, this grading system helps pathologists and oncologists evaluate how cancer cells look under a microscope compared to normal kidney cells. The Fuhrman …
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