Atypia is a term pathologists use to describe cells that look abnormal under the microscope. The word comes from the Greek for “without type,” meaning the cells have lost some or all of the regular appearance expected of their cell type. Atypia can affect the size and shape of the cell itself, the appearance of …
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Apoptosis is a natural, highly organized form of cell death, often called “programmed cell death.” It is the body’s way of removing cells that are no longer needed, worn out, or damaged, and it occurs in an orderly, controlled manner that does not harm surrounding tissue. Apoptosis is a normal and essential process, not a …
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Adenocarcinoma is a type of cancer that starts in glandular cells — specialized cells that normally produce substances like mucus, hormones, or digestive juices. Glandular cells line the inside of many organs throughout the body, which is why adenocarcinoma is one of the most common types of cancer overall. When you see this word in …
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An adenoma is a noncancerous (benign) growth made up of glandular cells — the specialized cells found throughout the body that produce and release substances such as mucus, enzymes, and hormones. Adenomas can develop in many different organs and are one of the most commonly diagnosed types of benign tumor. Although most adenomas are not …
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Acute inflammation is the body’s immediate response to injury, infection, or irritation. It begins within minutes to hours of tissue damage and is the body’s way of fighting harmful invaders and starting the repair process. Unlike chronic inflammation, which develops slowly and can persist for months or years, acute inflammation is short-term — typically resolving …
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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, …
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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 …
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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 …
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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 …
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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 …
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