Apocrine metaplasia is a benign (noncancerous) change in which the normal cells lining a tissue are replaced by cells that resemble apocrine cells, 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 very common, especially …
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Glandular cells are specialized epithelial cells that form the functional units of most internal organs. They are involved in the production and secretion of substances that aid in the normal activity of the organ. These substances may include enzymes, hormones, mucus, or other products that are released into ducts, surfaces, or the bloodstream for various …
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Endosalpingiosis is a condition in which tissue that normally lines the inside of the fallopian tube is found somewhere else in the body. It is most often found in the pelvis, including on the surface of the ovaries, on the peritoneum (the lining of the abdominal cavity), and in nearby lymph nodes. Endosalpingiosis is a …
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Metastatic carcinoma refers to cancer that has spread from its original (primary) site to other parts of the body. The term carcinoma specifically refers to a type of cancer that begins in the epithelial cells, which line the organs and tissues of the body. For example, if someone has metastatic carcinoma of the breast, it …
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A fibrovascular core is a small microscopic structure made up of fibrous tissue (connective tissue) and blood vessels. These cores are found inside finger-like projections called papillae. Papillae are common features in many types of growths, including both benign (noncancerous) and malignant (cancerous) ones. For example, fibrovascular cores can be seen in benign papillomas, as …
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Psammoma bodies are tiny, rounded structures often found within certain types of tumours. Under a microscope, they appear as small, layered (concentric) deposits made up of calcium and proteins, resembling the layers of an onion. The name “psammoma” comes from the Greek word “psammos”, meaning “sand,” because of their sand-like appearance under the microscope, and …
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The tumor bed is the area of the body where a tumor used to be. Pathologists use the term most often after treatment, such as chemotherapy or radiation, has shrunk or destroyed a tumor. By examining the tumor bed, the pathologist can tell how well the treatment worked. This article explains what the tumor bed …
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A hepatocyte is a type of cell found in the liver. They are very active and versatile cells that help to keep the body healthy and balanced. Hepatocytes can also regenerate when they are damaged or lost. The functions of a hepatocyte include: Making proteins needed for blood clotting, transporting substances, and fighting infections. Storing carbohydrates …
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SMA stands for smooth muscle actin, a type of protein found inside certain cells in the body. It plays an important role in helping cells move and maintain their shape. There are different types of actin proteins, but alpha smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) is the type most commonly used in pathology testing. Pathologists use SMA …
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Myoepithelial cells are specialized cells that have features of both muscle cells and epithelial cells. Their primary role is to help push secretions out of glands. They do this by gently contracting, similar to muscle cells, while also forming part of the gland structure, like epithelial cells. These cells are essential to many normal glands …
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