In pathology, the term “blasts” refers to immature cells that are in the early stages of development into mature cells. These cells are typically found in the bone marrow, where they are part of the normal process of blood cell formation, known as hematopoiesis. Blasts can develop into various types of blood cells, such as …
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Metastasis is a term used in pathology to describe the process by which cancer spreads from where it first started (the primary site) to other body parts. When cancer cells break away from the original tumor, they can travel through the bloodstream or the lymphatic system (a network of vessels and nodes that helps fight …
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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 term used to describe the accumulation of clear, water-like fluid inside tissue. It is also called edema. A tissue becomes edematous when a specialized type of fluid called serum leaks out of blood vessels and into the surrounding tissue. Tissue can become edematous as a result of congestive heart failure, liver disease, …
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In pathology, cells are described as plasmacytoid if they are round and if the nucleus (the part of the cell that holds the genetic material) is located to the side of the side. Pathologists often describe the location of the nucleus as eccentric or peripheral. These cells are described as plasmacytoid because they look like …
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BRAF is a gene that provides instructions for making the BRAF protein, a kinase enzyme that is part of the MAPK/ERK signaling pathway. In normal, healthy cells, this protein works with other proteins in the MAPK/ERK pathway to regulate cell growth and proliferation. However, a change in the BRAF gene can cause this protein to behave …
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What does non-invasive mean in a pathology report? In pathology, non-invasive is used to describe a disease (typically a tumour) that remains localized and has not spread into the surrounding tissues or organs. All types of benign (noncancerous) tumours are by definition non-invasive. However, some types of early-stage malignant (cancerous) tumours are also considered non-invasive …
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Chromogranin is a type of protein found primarily in neuroendocrine cells. There are three chromogranin proteins encoded by the CHGA (chromogranin A), CHGB (chromogranin B), and CHGC (chromogranin C) genes. What does chromogranin do? Chromogranins play important roles in the regulated secretion of hormones and specialized proteins called neuropeptides. They are present in small intracellular …
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