Non-keratinizing squamous cell carcinoma (NKSCC) is a subtype of squamous cell carcinoma of the lung — a cancer that belongs to the group known as non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). The term “non-keratinizing” means that the cancer cells do not produce visible amounts of a structural protein called keratin. This is what makes it different …
Read More »
In pathology, the term nonkeratinizing describes squamous cells that have not undergone keratinization. Keratinization is a natural process where cells produce and store a tough, protective protein called keratin. When squamous cells do not go through this process, they are called nonkeratinizing. Nonkeratinizing squamous cells are normally found in moist mucosal tissues throughout the body. …
Read More »
Keratinocytes are the most common type of cell found in the outer layer of your skin, called the epidermis. These cells are named for the protein they produce, called keratin. Keratin is a strong, protective protein that helps make your skin, hair, and nails tough and resistant to damage. Keratinocytes form a barrier that protects …
Read More »
Basal cells are a type of cell found at the very bottom (the “base”) of certain tissues, such as the skin and the lining of some internal organs. They are located in a thin layer at the bottom of the epithelium just above the basement membrane. Basal cells act like stem cells because they divide …
Read More »
Dyskeratotic cells are squamous cells that have keratinized too early or in the wrong place. Keratinization is the normal process by which squamous cells make and store a tough protein called keratin, but they are only supposed to do this once they reach the surface. A dyskeratotic cell makes keratin while it is still deep …
Read More »
A Pap test (also called a Pap smear) is a simple screening test used to look for abnormal cells in the lining of the cervix or anal canal. These areas are lined by squamous cells, which can develop changes over time that may lead to cancer if not detected and treated early. The main purpose …
Read More »
Squamous metaplasia is a benign (non-cancerous) change that occurs when the normal cells in a tissue or organ are replaced by specialized cells known as squamous cells. This type of change happens as an adaptive response when tissues are repeatedly irritated or inflamed. Squamous metaplasia often occurs in the respiratory tract, urinary tract (especially the …
Read More »
Fibroblasts are a type of cell normally found in connective tissue. They play an important role in maintaining the structural framework of tissues and organs in the body. They are one the most common types of cells found in connective tissue and are primarily involved in producing and secreting the extracellular matrix, which provides structural …
Read More »
Sinonasal angiofibroma is a noncancerous (benign) but locally invasive tumor that starts in the nasal cavity or the nasopharynx (the upper part of the throat behind the nose). It is also called juvenile angiofibroma or nasopharyngeal angiofibroma. This tumor occurs almost exclusively in adolescent boys and young men, and it is made up largely of …
Read More »
Apocrine metaplasia is a benign (noncancerous) change in which the normal cells lining a tissue are replaced by cells that resemble apocrine cells, a special type of glandular cell normally found in the skin. The word metaplasia refers to the replacement of one type of mature cell by another. Apocrine metaplasia is very common, especially …
Read More »
