In pathology, the term malignant transformation describes the development of a malignant (cancerous) tumour from a benign (noncancerous) tumour or a precancerous disease. Malignant transformation is important because the cells in the malignant tumour can grow into nearby tissues and metastasize (spread) to distant organs such as lymph nodes and the lungs. Common conditions that …
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Cystic degeneration refers to a process where tissue undergoes changes that result in the formation of fluid-filled structures called cysts. This change develops when the tissue starts to break down or degenerate for various reasons. Cystic degeneration can be caused by several factors, depending on the tissue or organ involved: Aging: As tissues age, they …
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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 specialized cells that make up the majority of cells in the epidermis, the outermost layer of the skin. They are named for their role in producing keratin, a key structural protein that contributes to the skin’s strength and resilience. Under microscopic examination, these cells appear bright pink because the keratin inside the cytoplasm …
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Basal cells are found in the basal or deepest part of the epithelium, a thin layer of tissue that lines the surface of most organs. These cells have a crucial role in maintaining the integrity and function of the epithelium. Specifically, they serve a pool of less differentiated cells that replace the mature or differentiated …
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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 known as a Pap smear, is a screening procedure used to detect precancerous and cancerous conditions in the cervix and anal canal. The test involves collecting a sample of cells from the cervix or anal canal. The cells are then examined under a microscope by a pathologist with the results provided …
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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 describes a change where the cells typically found in a tissue are replaced by cells that resemble the apocrine cells found in the skin. It is a benign (non-cancerous) change. In pathology, metaplasia describes the replacement of one type of differentiated cell with another. Normal apocrine cells Apocrine cells, characterized by their large …
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