Necrotizing granulomatous inflammation is a specific pattern of long-standing or chronic inflammation seen under the microscope. It occurs when the immune system attempts to isolate and eliminate a harmful substance, such as an infection, foreign material, or a component of an autoimmune response. The word “necrotizing” refers to the presence of dead tissue in the …
Read More »
Ring sideroblasts are immature red blood cells (cells that are still developing in the bone marrow) that contain too much iron. Instead of being stored in the normal location, the iron builds up inside the developing red blood cell and forms a ring-shaped pattern around the nucleus, which is the control center of the cell. …
Read More »
In pathology, the term “focal” refers to something that is localized or limited to a specific area or spot, rather than being diffusely spread out or affecting a large area of tissue. When used to describe disease processes, abnormalities, or lesions, “focal” indicates that the changes or effects are confined to one or relatively small, …
Read More »
In pathology, the term proximal describes the part of a tissue or organ closest to the center (midline) of the body. Doctors and pathologists use this term to explain the location of tumours, lesions, or specific areas within an organ. For example, the colon (large intestine) is a long tube divided into six sections: the …
Read More »
Cryptitis is a word pathologists use to describe inflammation involving the tissue inside the colon. The inflammation is caused by specialized immune cells called neutrophils. It is an example of acute inflammation and is often seen in a condition called active colitis. What does cryptitis look like under the microscope? The tissue on the inside …
Read More »
Crypt distortion describes changes that affect the size, shape, and number of crypts in the colon. Crypts are tiny, specialized glands lining the inner surface of the colon. Normally, these crypts are uniform, straight, and evenly spaced, resembling a neat row of test tubes. When crypt distortion occurs, these structures become irregular, shorter, fewer in …
Read More »
Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) is a laboratory test used in pathology to detect and localize the presence or absence of specific DNA sequences on chromosomes. It works by using fluorescent probes that bind to only those parts of the chromosome that match or are complementary to the probe. It is commonly used in the …
Read More »
p40 is a specialized protein that helps pathologists identify specific types of cells, especially squamous cells, which are found on surfaces like the skin, the lining of the mouth and throat, and parts of the lungs and urinary tract. p40 is a shortened version (or “isoform”) of another protein called p63, but it is more …
Read More »
Calcification is the buildup of calcium salts within body tissue where calcium is not normally found in significant amounts. While calcium is essential in bones and teeth — where it provides strength and structure — its accumulation in soft tissues such as the breast, arteries, lymph nodes, or organs is abnormal and can signal a …
Read More »
Atrophy (or atrophic) refers to the shrinking or loss of tissue in an organ or part of the body. This change is benign (non-cancerous). It describes how the tissue looks when examined under a microscope rather than being a specific medical diagnosis. What causes atrophy? Atrophy of tissue can occur for several reasons, including: Decreased …
Read More »
