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 the most common type of cell found in the outer layer of your skin, called the epidermis. These cells are named for the protein they produce, called keratin. Keratin is a strong, protective protein that helps make your skin, hair, and nails tough and resistant to damage. Keratinocytes form a barrier that protects …
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Basal cells are a type of cell found at the very bottom (the “base”) of certain tissues, such as the skin and the lining of some internal organs. They are located in a thin layer at the bottom of the epithelium just above the basement membrane. Basal cells act like stem cells because they divide …
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Dyskeratotic cells are squamous cells that have keratinized too early or in the wrong place. Keratinization is the normal process by which squamous cells make and store a tough protein called keratin, but they are only supposed to do this once they reach the surface. A dyskeratotic cell makes keratin while it is still deep …
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A Pap test (also called a Pap smear) is a simple screening test used to look for abnormal cells in the lining of the cervix or anal canal. These areas are lined by squamous cells, which can develop changes over time that may lead to cancer if not detected and treated early. The main purpose …
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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 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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