The gross description in a pathology report is an important section that provides a detailed description of the physical characteristics of the specimen received by the pathology lab before it undergoes any microscopic examination. This description is “gross” in that it relates to what can be observed with the naked eye, without the aid of …
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Invasive melanoma is a type of skin cancer that starts from melanocytes, the cells that produce the pigment melanin. Melanocytes are normally found in the deepest part of the epidermis (the outer layer of the skin). When melanoma first develops, the abnormal melanocytes remain confined to the epidermis — a stage called melanoma in situ. …
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Papillary thyroid carcinoma is the most common type of thyroid cancer, accounting for approximately 80 percent of all cases. It starts from follicular cells, the cells that normally make thyroid hormone. The thyroid is a butterfly-shaped gland at the front of the neck that helps regulate metabolism, heart rate, and body temperature. The word “papillary” …
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Invasive ductal carcinoma is the most common type of breast cancer. It starts in the epithelial cells lining the milk ducts of the breast and grows into the surrounding breast tissue. Left untreated, it can spread to other parts of the body, including the lymph nodes, bones, and lungs. The name of this cancer is …
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In pathology, the term undifferentiated is used to describe a malignant (cancerous) tumour made up of cells that look nothing like normal, healthy cells. The degree of differentiation is important because it is used to determine the tumour grade and all undifferentiated tumours are considered high grade. In contrast, well differentiated tumours are considered low grade. …
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Viral cytopathic effects are changes that take place in a cell after it has been infected by a virus. These changes can only be seen after the tissue is examined under a microscope. These changes can involve the shape and size of the cell. They can also involve a part of the cell called the …
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Urothelial cells, also known as transitional cells, line the urinary tract, which includes the bladder, ureters, urethra, and part of the kidney. These cells form a specialized barrier called the urothelium that prevents urine from penetrating the underlying tissues. They can also expand and contract based on the volume of urine present, which reflects their …
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Spongiosis is a term pathologists use to describe a specific change seen in the outer layer of your skin or the lining of your mouth. Normally, these areas are covered by specialized cells called squamous cells, which stick tightly together to form a protective barrier. Spongiosis occurs when these cells become separated or pushed apart …
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In pathology, the term spindle cells is used to describe cells that are longer than they are wide. They are found both in normal, healthy tissue and in tumours. The most common type of normal spindle cell is called a fibroblast. Fibroblasts are support cells that are found in a type of connective tissue called …
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Pathologists use the term spongiotic to describe tissue (usually skin) where fluid has built up between specialized cells called squamous cells, causing them to appear separated or pushed apart. Normally, squamous cells stick tightly together, forming a strong barrier on your skin or the lining of your mouth. When fluid separates these cells, the affected area looks …
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