In pathology, the term papillary is used to describe finger-like projections of tissue with cells lining the outside surface of the tissue and a central fibrovascular core. Pathologists use the term micropapillary to describe similar but smaller projections of tissue. Papillary growth is most commonly seen in tumours including both benign (noncancerous) and malignant (cancerous) …
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p63 is a protein that acts as a transcription factor, meaning it helps control when certain genes are turned on or off in cells. It plays a vital role in the development and maintenance of epithelial tissues, which are the layers of cells that line and protect surfaces throughout the body, including the skin, airways, …
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Osteoid is the soft, unmineralized material that forms the first step in the process of making new bone. It is produced by specialized bone-forming cells called osteoblasts, which are found inside bones. Osteoid serves as the scaffold that becomes hardened bone after minerals such as calcium and phosphorus are added. Under the microscope, freshly made …
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Nucleoli (singular: nucleolus) are small, round structures found inside the nucleus of most cells. They are made up of proteins and a special type of genetic material called RNA. The main job of nucleoli is to produce and assemble components needed to build ribosomes. Ribosomes are essential structures that help cells make proteins. Healthy, actively …
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Non-small cell carcinoma is a general term doctors use to describe a large group of cancers composed of large, abnormal-looking cells. Most of the time, this term refers to cancers that originate in the lungs, although it can also be used to describe cancers that begin in other parts of the body. About 85% of …
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A neoplasm is an abnormal growth of cells in your body. Normally, your body carefully controls how cells grow, divide, and die. In a neoplasm, this normal control is disrupted, causing cells to multiply excessively and form a lump or mass. The word “neoplasm” literally means “new growth.” Does neoplasm mean cancer? Not necessarily. While …
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Necrosis is a medical term used by pathologists to describe cells or tissues that have died unexpectedly or prematurely within the body. Necrosis typically occurs because cells have been damaged or deprived of blood supply and nutrients. Unlike apoptosis, which is the body’s natural way of removing old or unneeded cells, necrosis happens suddenly, often …
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Myxoid is a descriptive term pathologists use to describe tissue that has a gel-like, loose, or mucus-rich appearance when examined under the microscope. The word comes from the Greek myxa, meaning mucus. When tissue is described as myxoid, it means the space between the cells contains a large amount of a soft, jelly-like material, rather …
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Melanoma is a type of cancer that starts in cells called melanocytes. These cells are found in the skin and produce melanin, a pigment that gives your skin its color. Melanocytes are also found in mucosal tissues, such as the lining of the mouth, nose, and rectum. Melanoma occurs when these cells grow out of …
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What is mucin? Mucin is a protein made by cells. It is used to make a thick fluid called mucus. Mucus is normally found in saliva and other substances throughout the body. When viewed under the microscope, mucin has a light blue or grey colour. A special stain called mucicarmine makes can be performed to …
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