Natural killer cells, often called NK cells, are a type of lymphocyte, which is a white blood cell that plays an important role in the body’s immune system. They are part of the innate immune system, meaning they can respond quickly to threats without needing prior exposure to the specific invader. NK cells are called …
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What is chronic cholecystitis? Chronic cholecystitis is prolonged, or long-standing, inflammation of the gallbladder. It is a very common condition that is more frequently seen in young and middle-aged women. What does cholelithiasis mean? Pathologists use the term cholelithiasis to describe gallstones which are hard, stone-shaped collections of biological material that build up in the …
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A borderline Brenner tumor of the ovary is an uncommon type of ovarian tumor that is not cancer, but is also not a completely benign growth. It belongs to a group of tumors called borderline tumors, which sit between clearly benign tumors and cancer. A borderline Brenner tumor is more complex than a benign Brenner …
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What is clear cell chondrosarcoma? Clear cell chondrosarcoma is a slow-growing type of cancer made up of cartilage. This type of cancer is typically found in the femur (long bone of the leg) or the humerus (long bone of the arm) where it affects the epiphysis (end of the bone). What is cartilage? Cartilage is …
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CD45 is a protein found on the surface of most cells in the immune system, including white blood cells (also called leukocytes). CD45 helps these immune cells communicate and respond appropriately to infections and inflammation. Why do pathologists test for CD45? Pathologists test for CD45 to help determine if cells seen in a tissue sample …
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AE1/AE3 is a laboratory test used by pathologists to help identify the origin of a tumour. It works by detecting proteins called cytokeratins — structural proteins found inside epithelial cells, which line the surfaces of organs and glands throughout the body. AE1/AE3 is not a single protein — it is a combination of two antibodies, …
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Lichenoid mucositis is a pattern of inflammation in the lining of the mouth when immune cells attack oral mucosal cells. It is not cancer. It is not a precancerous condition on its own. In most cases, it represents an ongoing immune reaction — either to an autoimmune disease, a medication, or a contact substance — …
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Medullary carcinoma is a rare subtype of colorectal cancer. Like other types of colon and rectal cancer, it starts from the cells lining the inner surface of the bowel. However, medullary carcinoma has a very distinctive appearance under the microscope. Instead of forming the gland-like structures typical of most colorectal cancers, the tumor cells grow …
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In pathology, the phrase degenerative changes describes tissue that has started to physically break down, losing its normal structure and appearance when viewed under a microscope. These changes can affect how well a tissue or organ functions. Although degenerative changes themselves are not cancerous, they may sometimes be seen in tumours, particularly if the tumour …
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HBME-1, which stands for “Hector Battifora mesothelial-1,” is an antibody that binds to a specific protein called mesothelin. It is primarily used in pathology to help identify specific types of cells, particularly in the diagnosis of certain tumours. The marker is most commonly associated with mesothelial cells (which line the body’s cavities) and some types …
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