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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High grade dysplasia is a precancerous condition made up of cells that look very abnormal under the microscope. These abnormal cells differ significantly from healthy cells in both their size and shape, and they are often arranged in a disorganized manner within the tissue. Although these cells are not yet cancerous, they have a high …
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In pathology, the term low grade describes cells that look abnormal under the microscope but still share some features with normal, healthy cells. To determine if cells are low grade, pathologists compare them to the normal cells typically found in the same part of the body. Low grade is different from high grade, which describes cells that …
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In pathology, cytologic atypia describes cells that look abnormal when examined under a microscope. Cells may show cytologic atypia because of their shape, size, or colour. These changes can affect the cytoplasm (body) of the cell or the nucleus (the part of the cell that holds the genetic material). Does cytologic atypia mean the cells …
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The Nottingham histologic grade (or modified Scarff-Bloom-Richardson grade) is a system pathologists use to evaluate breast cancer under the microscope. It helps determine the aggressiveness of the cancer and provides important information for planning treatment. The grade is based on how different the cancer cells look from normal breast cells and how quickly they are …
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The pathology dictionary is a collection of patient-friendly definitions for the most common terms and phrases used by pathologists in pathology reports. These definitions describe general concepts. Visit our Diagnosis Library to learn more about your diagnosis or read this article for an introduction to your pathology report. Need help? Contact us. 1 A B …
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In pathology, erosion refers to the superficial loss of epithelial tissue, specifically the epithelium that covers the surfaces or lines the cavities of organs. Unlike ulcers, erosions do not extend into the underlying submucosa or subcutaneous tissues; they are confined to the loss of the epithelial layer only. This distinction is crucial for understanding the …
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Non-necrotizing granulomatous inflammation is a term used by pathologists to describe a specific type of long-lasting or chronic inflammation seen in the body. It occurs when your immune system forms small, round structures called granulomas to isolate and remove something it sees as harmful. Granulomas act like barriers, helping to surround and contain the harmful …
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