In pathology, the term atypia describes cells that look abnormal when examined under the microscope. These changes can affect the cytoplasm (body) of the cell or the nucleus (the part of the cell that holds the genetic material). Does atypia mean malignant? Atypia does not necessarily mean malignant (cancerous). While malignant tumors commonly contain cells …
Read More »
Apoptosis, often referred to as programmed cell death, is a natural and highly regulated process that occurs in all animals. It plays a crucial role in various biological functions, including development, tissue homeostasis, and the elimination of damaged or unnecessary cells. It is characterized by a series of well-orchestrated cellular events that lead to the …
Read More »
Adenocarcinoma is a type of cancer (malignant tumour) that develops from specialized glandular cells. Glandular cells typically produce substances such as mucus or hormones, and they’re normally found in many internal organs, including the lungs, breast, stomach, pancreas, colon, ovaries, and uterus (endometrium). Adenocarcinoma is the most common type of cancer affecting internal organs. Adenocarcinoma …
Read More »
An adenoma is a noncancerous growth made up of glandular cells. Glandular cells are special cells found throughout the body that produce and release substances such as mucus, enzymes, and hormones to help organs work properly. Although adenomas are not cancerous, some types can develop into cancer over time. For this reason, adenomas are often carefully …
Read More »
Acute inflammation is the body’s immediate and natural response to injury, irritation, or infection. It begins within minutes or hours and is the body’s way of protecting itself, sending immune cells and other substances to the area to fight infection and start the healing process. Unlike chronic inflammation, which lasts for months or years, acute …
Read More »
Immunohistochemistry (often abbreviated as IHC) is a laboratory test that pathologists use to detect specific proteins, also known as antigens, within cells in a tissue sample. By highlighting these proteins, pathologists can gain a better understanding of the types of cells present, their origins, and their behavior. This information enables doctors to make accurate diagnoses, …
Read More »
In pathology, the term tumour describes an abnormal growth of cells in the body. Normally, cells grow and divide in a controlled way. However, tumour cells multiply uncontrollably, forming a lump or mass. Tumours can develop anywhere in your body and can vary significantly in their appearance and behaviour. How are tumours categorized? Tumours are …
Read More »
A special stain is a specialized test pathologists use to examine tissue samples more closely. While the most common stain used by pathologists is called hematoxylin and eosin (H&E), sometimes additional details are needed that this standard stain cannot reveal. Special stains involve applying specific coloured dyes to tissue samples, highlighting particular cells, microorganisms, or …
Read More »
In pathology, a margin is the edge of a tissue that is cut when removing a tumour from the body. The margins described in a pathology report are very important because they tell you if the entire tumour was removed or if some of the tumour was left behind. The margin status will determine what …
Read More »
A resection is a surgical procedure performed to remove an area of abnormal tissue such as a tumour from the body. A resection usually removes all of the abnormal tissue plus some surrounding normal tissue. The tissue removed is called a specimen and the cut edge of the tissue is called the margin. This type …
Read More »
