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 …
Read More »
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 …
Read More »
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 …
Read More »
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 …
Read More »
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 …
Read More »
Mucosa is a thin, protective layer of tissue that lines the inner surfaces of many parts of your body, including hollow organs and body cavities. It forms an important barrier between the inside of your body and the outside environment, helping to protect against infection, injury, and irritation. If the mucosa becomes damaged, germs such …
Read More »
Mitosis is the process that cells use to divide and create new cells. Your body constantly relies on mitosis to replace old, damaged, or worn-out cells with fresh, healthy ones. Before a cell divides, it prepares by duplicating its genetic material (DNA) so that each new cell receives an exact copy. Cells undergoing mitosis are …
Read More »
In medicine, the word malignant is commonly used to describe a cancerous growth of cells. For instance, pathologists often refer to cancerous tumours as malignant tumours or malignant neoplasms. The term malignant can also describe serious, life-threatening conditions that aren’t cancer, such as dangerously high blood pressure (malignant hypertension) or extremely high internal body temperature …
Read More »
The word “mass” in a pathology report refers to an area of tissue that is larger than normal. It is a broad term used to describe a lump or abnormal growth that can be seen or felt during a physical examination or detected using imaging tests like an X-ray or MRI. A mass can occur …
Read More »
Metaplasia describes a process in which one type of normal tissue in your body is replaced by a different kind of normal tissue not usually found in that location. This change typically occurs because the tissue responds to ongoing stress, irritation, or injury. Metaplasia can happen in many parts of the body, including the esophagus, …
Read More »
🔍 Search MyPathologyReport
Type what you see on your report — for example a diagnosis or test name
