Vacuolar degeneration is a term pathologists use to describe a change in cells where small, clear, bubble-like spaces—called vacuoles—develop inside the cell’s cytoplasm. The cytoplasm is the fluid-filled area of a cell that surrounds the nucleus and contains structures that help the cell function. These vacuoles appear empty under the microscope because they do not …
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Spindle cell proliferation is a term pathologists use to describe the growth or increase in the number of spindle-shaped cells seen under the microscope. Spindle-shaped cells are long and thin, resembling the shape of a spindle used in weaving, with tapered ends and elongated nuclei. This term is not a final diagnosis but rather a …
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Acantholysis is a term pathologists use to describe the loss of connections between skin cells in the outermost layer of the skin, known as the epidermis. When these connections break down, the cells separate from each other, creating spaces within the epidermis. This process can lead to the formation of blisters or erosions on the …
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The epidermis is the thin, outermost layer of your skin. It acts as a protective shield between your body and the outside world. Although it is only about as thick as a sheet of paper in most places, the epidermis plays a crucial role in preventing harmful germs, chemicals, and physical forces from damaging your …
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Pemphigoid is the most common autoimmune blistering disease of the skin and mucous membranes. In this condition, the body’s immune system mistakenly produces antibodies that attack healthy tissue. These antibodies target specific proteins that normally help anchor the top layer of skin (the epidermis) to the deeper layer (the dermis). When these proteins are damaged, …
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Pemphigus is a group of rare autoimmune diseases that affect the skin and mucous membranes (the moist surfaces inside your mouth, nose, throat, and genitals). The outer layer of these tissues is made of keratinocytes, which are flat cells arranged like tiles on a roof. In pemphigus, the immune system produces antibodies that target specific …
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Polymerase chain reaction (commonly called PCR) is a laboratory technique used to produce millions of copies of a specific DNA segment. This process allows doctors to detect even very small amounts of genetic material in a sample. PCR is widely used in medicine, including in pathology, to diagnose infections, identify cancer-related mutations, and help guide …
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Molecular testing is a type of laboratory testing that searches for specific changes in the genetic material (DNA or RNA) or proteins inside your cells. These changes can help doctors better understand the cause of a disease, how it might behave, and which treatments are most likely to be effective. Molecular testing is often performed …
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Intraductal carcinoma (IDC) is a rare type of noninvasive cancer that starts in the salivary glands, most often in the parotid gland. In this condition, the abnormal cells grow inside the small ducts of the gland and remain surrounded by a protective layer of myoepithelial cells. Because the tumor stays confined to the ducts, IDC …
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Serous cystadenoma is a non-cancerous tumor that develops in the pancreas. It is composed of small, fluid-filled spaces (cysts) lined by specialized cells that contain a sugar called glycogen. Most serous cystadenomas grow slowly and do not cause symptoms. They are often discovered by accident during imaging studies conducted for other purposes. What causes serous …
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