The epidermis is the thin, outermost layer of your skin. It acts as a protective shield between your body and the outside world. Although it is only about as thick as a sheet of paper in most places, the epidermis plays a crucial role in preventing harmful germs, chemicals, and physical forces from damaging your …
Read More »
Benign vascular proliferation is a term pathologists use to describe a non-cancerous growth of small blood vessels. These growths are made up of endothelial cells, which are the cells that line the inside of blood vessels. The word “benign” means the lesion is not cancer, and “vascular proliferation” means there is an increased number of …
Read More »
Keratosis is a word pathologists use to describe an increased amount of keratin on the surface of squamous epithelium, the type of tissue that lines the skin, mouth, throat, esophagus, anus, cervix, and other body surfaces. Keratin is a tough, protective protein made by squamous cells. It forms the outermost layer of the skin and …
Read More »
Keratinizing refers to a process in which squamous cells produce and fill up with a protein called keratin. Keratin is a strong, protective substance that helps tissues resist damage and dehydration. As squamous cells become keratinizing, they grow tougher and thicker and lose their ability to function as living cells. Instead, they form a protective …
Read More »
Androgen receptor (AR) is a protein found inside specific cells of your body. It binds to hormones known as androgens, including testosterone. These hormones play key roles in the growth and development of male characteristics, but they also have essential functions in both men and women. Why do pathologists test for androgen receptor? Pathologists test …
Read More »
Intramucosal carcinoma describes an early stage of cancer where abnormal cells are still limited to a thin layer of tissue called the mucosa. Cancers treated at this stage are less likely to spread to other body parts. Is intramucosal carcinoma a type of cancer? Yes, intramucosal carcinoma is a type of cancer, but it is …
Read More »
Melanosis coli is a harmless condition that affects the large intestine (colon). In this condition, the lining of the colon turns dark brown or black due to a buildup of a pigment called lipofuscin. This pigment develops within cells that line the inside surface of the colon. Melanosis coli is noncancerous and typically related to …
Read More »
SALL4 is a protein that helps control the growth and development of cells, particularly during early human development. It is usually found in stem cells, which are special cells capable of turning into different types of tissues in the body. In adults, SALL4 is mostly seen in certain reproductive cells and tissues. Why do pathologists …
Read More »
OCT3/4 is a protein found inside certain types of cells. This protein is important because it helps maintain cells in an immature or stem cell-like state. Stem cells are special cells that can develop into many different types of cells in the body. OCT3/4 is especially important during early human development. Why do pathologists test …
Read More »
Pancytokeratin is a term pathologists use to describe a group of proteins called cytokeratins found within specific cells, particularly epithelial cells. Epithelial cells line surfaces inside and outside the body, including the skin and internal organs. Pancytokeratin tests detect many different types of cytokeratins at the same time. Why do pathologists test for pancytokeratin? Pathologists …
Read More »
