Melan-A (also known as Mart-1) is a protein made by certain types of cells in the body. It is most commonly found in melanocytes, which produce melanin, a pigment that gives colour to skin, hair, and eyes. Melan-A is also important in pathology because it can help pathologists identify specific types of tumours. What is …
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PD-L1 (Programmed Death-Ligand 1) is a protein found on the surface of many normal cells and certain cancer cells. It is part of a natural system in the body called an immune checkpoint, which helps regulate your immune system and prevents it from becoming overactive. Specifically, PD-L1 interacts with another protein called PD-1, which is …
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In pathology, vascular invasion (or angioinvasion) refers to the presence of cancer cells within the blood vessels, including veins and arteries. This finding is significant because it indicates a higher potential for the cancer to metastasize (spread) to other parts of the body, which can occur through any of these vessel types. Why is vascular …
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Angioinvasion describes a process where cancer cells enter and spread through blood vessels. Normally, blood vessels carry blood and nutrients throughout the body. However, in angioinvasion, tumor cells invade these vessels, providing a pathway to travel from the original tumor location to other body parts. Why is angioinvasion important? Angioinvasion is important because it is …
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What is a well differentiated neuroendocrine tumour? A well differentiated neuroendocrine tumour (NET) is a type of cancer made up of specialized neuroendocrine cells. The tumour is described as “well differentiated” because the cells in the tumour look very similar to normal, healthy neuroendocrine cells. These tumours can be found almost anywhere in the body. …
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A poorly differentiated neuroendocrine carcinoma is a type of cancer made up of specialized cells called neuroendocrine cells. Neuroendocrine cells normally produce hormones and are found throughout the body, including the lungs, digestive tract, and many other organs. The term “poorly differentiated” means the cancer cells look very abnormal compared to healthy neuroendocrine cells. Because …
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Neuroendocrine carcinoma (NEC) is a type of cancer composed of cells that exhibit features of both nerve cells and hormone-producing cells, also known as neuroendocrine cells. These cancers are considered high-grade tumours, which means they tend to grow quickly and may spread to other parts of the body. Neuroendocrine carcinomas can start in many different …
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A neuroendocrine tumor (NET) is a type of cancer that starts from neuroendocrine cells. These are specialized cells with features of both nerve cells and hormone-producing cells that help regulate important body functions by releasing hormones in response to signals from the nervous system. Neuroendocrine cells are found throughout the body, which means neuroendocrine tumors …
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In a pathology report, the term nuclear atypia is used to describe cells that have abnormal-looking nuclei when examined under a microscope. The nucleus is the part of the cell that contains its genetic material (DNA) and controls how the cell functions. Pathologists use the word “atypia” to mean that something looks unusual or different …
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Low grade dysplasia is a precancerous condition characterized by mildly abnormal cells that grow differently from normal, healthy cells. When examined under a microscope, these abnormal cells still closely resemble normal cells, which is why the condition is termed “low grade.” This is in contrast to high grade dysplasia, where the cells appear more abnormal …
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