Definition: Plasma cells are a type of white blood cell (WBC) and part of the body’s immune system. They are part of a group of immune cells called lymphocytes. Plasma cells produce proteins called immunoglobulins (also known as antibodies) that protect our body by sticking to bacteria and viruses. Antibodies can also stick to abnormal …
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A polyp is an abnormal growth of tissue that sticks out from the surface into a hollow space or body cavity. Polyps can form almost anywhere in the body, but they’re especially common in the colon, stomach, nasal cavity, sinuses (sinonasal area), and uterus. Most polyps are harmless (benign) growths; however, some can be precancerous, …
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In pathology, the term pleomorphic is used to describe cells that appear very different from each other when viewed under a microscope. Pleomorphic cells vary significantly in size, shape, and colour. Although pathologists may describe the whole cell as pleomorphic, they usually focus on the appearance of the cell’s nucleus (the part containing genetic material …
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p53 is a protein made by a gene called TP53, which plays a critical role in protecting the body from cancer. Because of this, p53 is known as a tumor suppressor. The TP53 gene is located on chromosome 17 and provides instructions for making the p53 protein, which works like a quality control inspector inside …
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p16 is a protein produced by cells throughout the body that helps control how cells grow and divide. Because it acts as a brake on cell growth, p16 is known as a tumor suppressor protein — a protein whose normal job is to prevent cells from growing uncontrollably. In pathology, p16 is most commonly used …
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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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