Glomerulosclerosis is a condition characterized by scarring or hardening (sclerosis) of the tiny filters in the kidneys known as glomeruli. Normally, these structures help filter waste and excess fluid from your blood. When the glomeruli become scarred, they can’t perform their job effectively, which can eventually lead to impaired kidney function or kidney failure. What …
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BerEP4 is an antibody that pathologists use to identify a specific protein found on the surface of many types of epithelial cells. This protein is called epithelial cell adhesion molecule (EpCAM). EpCAM helps cells stick together, which is important for maintaining the structure and function of many tissues. Pathologists commonly use BerEP4 testing to help …
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Claudin 18.2 is a protein that helps cells stick tightly together, creating barriers between different compartments in the body. It is one form of a protein called claudin 18, specifically found in the cells lining the stomach. Claudin 18.2 is important because it is abnormally expressed (present when it normally shouldn’t be) in certain cancers, …
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BAP1 stands for BRCA1 Associated Protein-1, a protein found inside cells throughout the body. It is located on chromosome 3 and acts as a tumor suppressor, meaning it helps prevent cells from growing uncontrollably and turning into cancer. Loss of BAP1 activity or expression in cells is often associated with certain aggressive cancers and can …
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PRAME stands for “preferentially expressed antigen in melanoma.” It is a special type of protein called a cancer-testis antigen. This means that PRAME is usually found in cancer cells and normal cells within the testis, but rarely in other normal tissues of the body. Because PRAME is mostly found in cancer cells, pathologists often test …
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Epithelial hyperplasia is a term pathologists use to describe an increased number of epithelial cells, which line the surfaces of organs and structures throughout the body. It is a non-cancerous (benign) condition that leads to thickening or enlargement of the epithelial layer. Another term often used is hyperplastic epithelium. Where is epithelial hyperplasia commonly found? …
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A malignant phyllodes tumour is a rare type of breast cancer that starts in the stroma (connective tissue) of the breast rather than the milk ducts or lobules. It is part of a group of tumours called fibroepithelial tumours, which have both stromal and epithelial (lining cell) components. The word phyllodes means “leaf-like” and refers …
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High-grade endometrial stromal sarcoma is an aggressive type of cancer that originates from the supportive stromal tissue within the uterus. The term “high-grade” indicates that these cancer cells grow rapidly, appear very abnormal under a microscope, and are more likely to spread beyond the uterus compared to low-grade types. What causes high-grade endometrial stromal sarcoma? …
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Low-grade endometrial stromal sarcoma is a type of cancer that arises from the stroma, a supportive tissue within the uterus. It is called “low-grade” because the cancer cells grow slowly and resemble normal endometrial stromal cells, which are typically found in the lining of the uterus. Despite its slow growth, it can spread into the …
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Squamous intraepithelial neoplasia of the esophagus is a precancerous condition that involves abnormal changes in the cells lining the esophagus. The esophagus is the muscular tube that carries food from your mouth to your stomach. “Squamous” refers to the type of cells affected, which are flat cells normally lining the inner surface of the esophagus. …
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