Ring sideroblasts are immature red blood cells (cells that are still developing in the bone marrow) that contain too much iron. Instead of being stored in the normal location, the iron builds up inside the developing red blood cell and forms a ring-shaped pattern around the nucleus, which is the control center of the cell. …
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A karyotype is a laboratory test that looks at a person’s chromosomes. Chromosomes are long, organized structures made of DNA, which carry the genetic instructions that tell your body how to grow and function. In a karyotype test, the chromosomes are stained with a special dye and examined under a microscope. This allows doctors to …
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In transit metastasis is a term used to describe cancer that has spread beyond the original tumour but has not yet reached the lymph nodes or distant organs. Instead, the cancer cells travel through small lymphatic vessels and form new tumours between the primary tumour and the nearest lymph nodes. This type of spread is …
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A tumour deposit is a group of cancer cells that has spread from the original tumour (primary tumour) to another location in the body. These cancer cells can spread locally, meaning they stay close to the primary tumour or travel to distant organs or tissues. When tumour cells spread to distant organs, the deposits are …
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Tumour regression refers to the reduction in size or complete disappearance of a tumour, either spontaneously or as a result of treatment. In pathology, tumour regression is assessed by examining tissue samples to determine the extent of the decrease in tumour cell population and changes in the tumour’s structure. What causes tumour regression? Treatment-induced regression …
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A tumour capsule is a thin layer of tissue that separates a tumour from the surrounding healthy tissue. Some tumours are completely surrounded by this capsule—these tumours are described as encapsulated. Tumours without a capsule are called non-encapsulated. Both benign (non-cancerous) and malignant (cancerous) tumours can have a capsule. What does capsule invasion mean? Pathologists …
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Solar elastosis is a non-cancerous skin condition caused by excessive and long-term exposure to sunlight or other sources of ultraviolet (UV) radiation. It is also known as actinic elastosis or photoaging. Doctors consider solar elastosis a clear sign of sun damage, which occurs after years of sun exposure. What causes solar elastosis? Solar elastosis is …
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A dermal nevus is a non-cancerous skin tumour made up of specialized cells called melanocytes. Melanocytes produce melanin, the pigment that gives skin its colour. The term “dermal” is used because the melanocytes in a dermal nevus are located in the dermis, a layer of skin below the surface. This type of growth is commonly …
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A compound nevus is a very common non-cancerous type of skin tumour made up of cells called melanocytes. This type of growth is more common in people with light-coloured skin but can be found anywhere on the body. Another name for a compound nevus is a mole, which is a common term used to describe …
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A junctional nevus is a non-cancerous skin tumour made up of specialized cells called melanocytes. Melanocytes produce melanin, the pigment that gives skin its colour. The term “junctional” is used because the melanocytes in a junctional nevus are located at the junction between the epidermis and the dermis. This type of growth is commonly called …
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