Salivary duct carcinoma is one of the most aggressive types of cancer that starts in the salivary glands — the glands that make saliva. Unlike most salivary gland cancers, it grows quickly, often spreads to lymph nodes early, and can spread to distant sites such as the lungs, bones, and liver. Under the microscope, it …
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A xanthoma is a type of growth that forms under the skin or in other tissues of the body. It is made up of fat-filled cells called foamy histiocytes, which are a type of immune cell that has absorbed fat. Xanthomas can appear anywhere on the body but are most commonly found on the skin. …
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Xanthelasma (pronounced zan-the-las-ma) is a non-cancerous growth that appears as a soft, yellowish patch on the skin around the eyes, most often on the eyelids. These growths are composed of special immune cells called histiocytes that have become filled with fat (lipids). Because xanthelasma is harmless, it does not spread or turn into cancer. However, its …
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Histiocytes are a type of immune cell that are part of the body’s defense mechanism against infections and foreign substances. They belong to the mononuclear phagocyte system including monocytes in the blood and macrophages in tissues. Histiocytes play an important role in the immune system’s response to pathogens and tissue repair and maintenance. They are …
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In pathology, hypocellular describes tissue or organs that contain fewer cells than expected. A decrease in the number of cells can occur naturally with age or result from certain medical conditions, treatments, or injuries. Hypocellularity can affect different types of tissues, but is most commonly discussed in relation to tumours or bone marrow. What causes hypocellular tissue? …
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What does hypercellular mean? Hypercellular is a term pathologists use to describe an increased number of cells compared to normal in an area of the body. It is a descriptive term and not a diagnosis. Hypercellular can be used to describe both benign (non-cancerous) groups of cells and malignant (cancerous) tumours. Pathologists commonly use the …
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Atypical mitosis is an abnormal cell division. Cells normally copy themselves through a tightly controlled process called mitosis, which evenly divides the cell’s genetic material (DNA) so that each new cell receives a complete and matching set. In an atypical mitosis, this process goes wrong and the DNA is not shared evenly. This is the …
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An atypical mitotic figure is a cell caught in the act of dividing abnormally. Cells normally make copies of themselves through a carefully controlled process called mitosis, which evenly divides the cell’s genetic material (DNA) so that each new cell receives a complete and identical set. A dividing cell seen under the microscope is called …
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Non-necrotizing granulomatous inflammation is a term used by pathologists to describe a specific type of long-lasting or chronic inflammation seen in the body. It occurs when your immune system forms small, round structures called granulomas to isolate and remove something it sees as harmful. Granulomas act like barriers, helping to surround and contain the harmful …
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Necrotizing granulomatous inflammation is a specific pattern of long-standing or chronic inflammation seen under the microscope. It occurs when the immune system attempts to isolate and eliminate a harmful substance, such as an infection, foreign material, or a component of an autoimmune response. The word “necrotizing” refers to the presence of dead tissue in the …
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