In pathology, the term “blastoid” refers to cells that have features resembling immature precursor cells, known as blasts, which are typically found in the bone marrow. These cells are generally considered abnormal and can be indicative of aggressive and rapidly proliferating diseases, often seen in certain types of cancers. Microscopic features of blastoid cells Blastoid …
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In pathology, the term “blasts” refers to immature cells in the early stages of development into mature cells. These cells are typically found in the bone marrow, which is part of the normal process of blood cell formation known as hematopoiesis. Blasts can develop into various types of blood cells, such as red blood cells, white …
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Clark’s level is a system used in pathology reports to describe how far a skin cancer, such as invasive squamous cell carcinoma or invasive melanoma, has spread into the skin. It’s an important factor in determining the severity and potential behaviour of the tumour. The system consists of five levels, each indicating how deeply the tumour has penetrated through …
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In pathology, the term nonkeratinizing describes squamous cells that have not undergone keratinization. Keratinization is a natural process where cells produce and store a tough, protective protein called keratin. When squamous cells do not go through this process, they are called nonkeratinizing. Nonkeratinizing squamous cells are normally found in moist mucosal tissues throughout the body. …
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Keratinocytes are the most common type of cell found in the outer layer of your skin, called the epidermis. These cells are named for the protein they produce, called keratin. Keratin is a strong, protective protein that helps make your skin, hair, and nails tough and resistant to damage. Keratinocytes form a barrier that protects …
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Basal cells are a type of cell found at the very bottom (the “base”) of certain tissues, such as the skin and the lining of some internal organs. They are located in a thin layer at the bottom of the epithelium just above the basement membrane. Basal cells act like stem cells because they divide …
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Dyskeratotic cells are squamous cells that have undergone premature or abnormal keratinization, a process by which cells produce and accumulate a protein called keratin. Under microscopic examination, these cells are smaller and pinker than normal squamous cells. Dyskeratotic cells can be seen in a variety of precancerous, cancerous, infectious, and inflammatory conditions. What conditions are …
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A Pap test (also called a Pap smear) is a simple screening test used to look for abnormal cells in the lining of the cervix or anal canal. These areas are lined by squamous cells, which can develop changes over time that may lead to cancer if not detected and treated early. The main purpose …
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Fibroblasts are a type of cell normally found in connective tissue. They play an important role in maintaining the structural framework of tissues and organs in the body. They are one the most common types of cells found in connective tissue and are primarily involved in producing and secreting the extracellular matrix, which provides structural …
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Apocrine metaplasia is a benign (non-cancerous) change in which the normal cells in a tissue are replaced by cells that resemble apocrine cells. Apocrine cells are a special type of glandular cell normally found in the skin. The word metaplasia refers to the replacement of one type of mature cell by another. Apocrine metaplasia is …
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