In pathology, the term “blasts” refers to immature cells in the early stages of development into mature cells. These cells are typically found in the bone marrow, which is part of the normal process of blood cell formation known as hematopoiesis. Blasts can develop into various types of blood cells, such as red blood cells, white …
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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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In pathology, the term tumour bed describes an area of the body where a tumour was located before it was removed by surgery or treated with chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or hormone therapy. It is important to examine the tumour bed because it can show how much of the tumour was killed by the treatment and …
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A hepatocyte is a type of cell found in the liver. They are very active and versatile cells that help to keep the body healthy and balanced. Hepatocytes can also regenerate when they are damaged or lost. The functions of a hepatocyte include: Making proteins needed for blood clotting, transporting substances, and fighting infections. Storing carbohydrates …
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Edematous is a word pathologists use to describe a tissue that contains extra clear, watery fluid. It is the adjective form of edema, which is the name for the buildup of fluid itself. If your report says a tissue is edematous, it means the pathologist saw that the tissue was swollen with fluid. Describing a …
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Pathologists use plasmacytoid to describe cells that look like plasma cells. Plasma cells are immune cells that make antibodies. They have a round or oval shape, a generous amount of cytoplasm, and a nucleus that sits off to one side of the cell rather than in the center. Plasmacytoid is a description of what the pathologist …
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BRAF is a gene that gives instructions to make the BRAF protein, an enzyme that helps control how cells grow and divide. The BRAF protein is part of a signaling system in the cell known as the MAPK/ERK pathway, which normally functions as a switch to instruct cells when to grow and when to stop. In …
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In a pathology report, the term non-invasive means that a tumour or abnormal growth has not spread into the surrounding tissues. The abnormal cells are confined to the original layer of tissue where they started. This term is most often used to describe early-stage cancers or pre-cancerous conditions, but it also applies to all benign …
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Chromogranin is a family of proteins primarily found in neuroendocrine cells—specialized cells that release hormones into the blood in response to signals from the nervous system. The main types are chromogranin A, B, and C. These proteins play a crucial role in the storage and release of hormones. Why do pathologists test for chromogranin? Pathologists …
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Sebaceous glands are small glands found in the skin that produce sebum, an oily substance that helps keep the skin and hair soft, flexible, and protected. These glands are distributed throughout the body but are most numerous on the face, scalp, upper chest, and back. Sebaceous glands are connected to hair follicles, and the sebum …
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