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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Glandular cells are specialized epithelial cells that form the functional units of most internal organs. They are involved in the production and secretion of substances that aid in the normal activity of the organ. These substances may include enzymes, hormones, mucus, or other products that are released into ducts, surfaces, or the bloodstream for various …
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Endosalpingiosis is a condition where tissue similar to that normally found in the fallopian tube is found outside of the fallopian tube. This tissue may be found in various pelvic organs and structures, such as the ovaries, peritoneum (lining of the abdominal cavity), and other pelvic tissues. It can also be found in small immune …
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Metastatic carcinoma refers to cancer that has spread from its original (primary) site to other parts of the body. The term carcinoma specifically refers to a type of cancer that begins in the epithelial cells, which line the organs and tissues of the body. For example, if someone has metastatic carcinoma of the breast, it …
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A fibrovascular core is a small microscopic structure made up of fibrous tissue (connective tissue) and blood vessels. These cores are found inside finger-like projections called papillae. Papillae are common features in many types of growths, including both benign (noncancerous) and malignant (cancerous) ones. For example, fibrovascular cores can be seen in benign papillomas, as …
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Psammoma bodies are tiny, rounded structures often found within certain types of tumours. Under a microscope, they appear as small, layered (concentric) deposits made up of calcium and proteins, resembling the layers of an onion. The name “psammoma” comes from the Greek word “psammos”, meaning “sand,” because of their sand-like appearance under the microscope, and …
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A vascular lesion is a growth predominantly composed of endothelial cells forming abnormal blood vessels. The term vascular lesion can be applied to a wide range of conditions, including benign (noncancerous) tumours, intermediate (locally aggressive) tumours, malignant (cancerous) tumours, congenital/development abnormalities, and reactive conditions. Vascular lesions can occur in any part of the body, although …
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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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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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