A seromucinous hamartoma is a rare, benign growth found in the nasal cavity or the sinuses. The term “hamartoma” refers to a mass made up of an abnormal mixture of cells and tissues that are normally found in the area but have grown in a disorganized way. Seromucinous refers to the combination of serous (watery) …
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The term products of conception refers to the tissues that result from a pregnancy, including the embryo or fetus, placenta, and membranes. These tissues are typically found in the uterus and support the development of the embryo or fetus during pregnancy. When does a pathologist examine products of conception? Products of conception are examined by …
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The implantation site refers to the location in the uterus where a fertilized egg attaches and embeds into the uterine lining, starting the process of pregnancy. This is where the placenta will develop to support the growing fetus. The implantation site may be described in a pathology report when a pathologist examines products of conception (tissues from …
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ALK (anaplastic lymphoma kinase) is a gene that normally plays a role in the development of nerve cells. In healthy adult tissue, the ALK gene is essentially switched off, producing little to no protein. In some cancers, however, a structural change in the DNA causes the ALK gene to fuse with another gene — a …
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EGFR stands for epidermal growth factor receptor. It is a gene that provides instructions for making a protein found on the surface of many normal cells. This protein acts as a receptor, meaning it receives signals from outside the cell that tell the cell when to grow and divide. EGFR is considered a biomarker. A …
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A branchial cleft cyst is a fluid-filled sac that forms on the side of the neck, usually just in front of the ear or under the jaw. It develops from tissues in the neck that didn’t fully form during embryonic development. These cysts are typically benign (non-cancerous) and can appear at any age, though they …
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Exogenous hormone effect refers to changes in the body’s tissues caused by hormones that come from an external source, such as medications. These changes can be seen when a pathologist examines tissue under a microscope and are different from those caused by hormones produced naturally by the body. Estrogen, progesterone, and androgens are the types …
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Stromal breakdown is the process in which the stroma, the supportive connective tissue within an organ, begins to weaken, separate, or disintegrate. The stroma provides structure and helps maintain the shape and function of the surrounding tissue. When it breaks down, the tissue may lose its normal architecture, and additional changes—such as inflammation, bleeding, or …
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Chronic endometritis is a long-term inflammation of the endometrium, which is the inner lining of the uterus. Inflammation occurs when the immune system sends special cells to fight infection or injury. Unlike acute inflammation, which occurs suddenly and typically resolves quickly, chronic inflammation develops gradually and can persist for weeks or months. Chronic endometritis may be …
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A thyroglossal duct cyst is a noncancerous (benign), fluid-filled lump that usually appears in the middle of the front of the neck. It forms during early development, when the thyroid gland moves from the back of the tongue down to its normal position in the lower neck. As the thyroid gland moves, it travels through …
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