definition

Lymphoid Cells: Definition

What are lymphoid cells? Lymphoid cells are immune cells, specifically B cells, T cells, plasma cells, and natural killer (NK) cells. They are part of the body’s immune system and they play an important role in protecting the body from infections. Where are lymphoid cells normally found? Lymphoid cells can be found throughout the body …
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Plasmacytoid: Definition

Pathologists use plasmacytoid to describe cells that look like plasma cells. Plasma cells are immune cells that make antibodies. They have a round or oval shape, a generous amount of cytoplasm, and a nucleus that sits off to one side of the cell rather than in the center. Plasmacytoid is a description of what the pathologist …
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Epithelioid Cells: Definition

Epithelioid cells look like epithelial cells under a microscope. They are usually round or many-sided, with plenty of cytoplasm and a round or oval nucleus. The word “epithelioid” means “resembling epithelium,” so it describes how the cells look rather than what they are. Many different cell types can take on an epithelioid appearance, including immune cells, pigment cells, …
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What is non-invasive?

In a pathology report, the term non-invasive means that a tumour or abnormal growth has not spread into the surrounding tissues. The abnormal cells are confined to the original layer of tissue where they started. This term is most often used to describe early-stage cancers or pre-cancerous conditions, but it also applies to all benign …
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What is PAX5?

PAX5 is a protein that acts as a transcription factor, which means it helps control when certain genes are turned on or off in a cell. It plays an important role in the early development of the immune system by guiding immature blood cells to become B cells, a type of white blood cell that …
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Chromogranin: Definition

Chromogranin is a family of proteins primarily found in neuroendocrine cells—specialized cells that release hormones into the blood in response to signals from the nervous system. The main types are chromogranin A, B, and C. These proteins play a crucial role in the storage and release of hormones.​ Why do pathologists test for chromogranin? Pathologists …
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Sebaceous Glands: Definition

Sebaceous glands are small glands found in the skin that produce sebum, an oily substance that helps keep the skin and hair soft, flexible, and protected. These glands are distributed throughout the body but are most numerous on the face, scalp, upper chest, and back. Sebaceous glands are connected to hair follicles, and the sebum …
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Cytomegalovirus (CMV): Definition

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) is a common virus belonging to the family Herpesviridae. It is ubiquitous and infects people of all ages. CMV is spread through body fluids such as blood, saliva, urine, and breast milk. What are the symptoms of cytomegalovirus infection? Most healthy individuals who become infected with CMV have no symptoms, and the virus …
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In Situ Hybridization (ISH): Definition

In situ hybridization (often abbreviated as ISH) is a specialized laboratory test that enables pathologists to detect specific pieces of genetic material (DNA or RNA) directly within the cells of a tissue sample. The phrase “in situ” means “in its original place,” and “hybridization” refers to the way a probe (a small piece of complementary …
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Amendment: Definition

An amendment is a formal correction or significant change made to a pathology report after the original report has already been issued. Unlike an addendum — which adds new information without changing what was previously written — an amendment directly modifies the content of the original report. Amendments must be clearly documented, and the relevant …
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