Warthin tumor is a noncancerous tumor that almost always starts in the parotid gland — the largest salivary gland, which sits in front of and below each ear. It is the second most common salivary gland tumor, after pleomorphic adenoma. Warthin tumor is benign — it does not spread to other parts of the body …
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Spongiotic dermatitis is a term pathologists use to describe a pattern of injury in the skin caused by inflammation. It is called a “pattern of injury” because the changes seen are not specific to a single medical condition. The spongiotic dermatitis pattern of injury is most commonly seen in eczema. Types of eczema Doctors often …
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Cutaneous lupus erythematosus (CLE) is the term doctors use when a disease called lupus erythematosus affects the skin. About two-thirds of patients with lupus will develop CLE. Many patients with CLE also have other organs, such as the heart, lungs, kidneys, muscles, and joints, affected by lupus. Lupus erythematosus Lupus erythematosus is an autoimmune disease …
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Antibodies also known as immunoglobulins are a special type of protein made by plasma cells. These special proteins protect our bodies by sticking to bacteria and viruses, which makes them easier to remove from the body. They can also stick to abnormal cells or cells that have stopped functioning normally. A plasma cell neoplasm is …
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Extranodal extension (ENE) is a term pathologists use when cancer cells spread outside a lymph node into the surrounding tissue. Lymph nodes are small immune organs that help filter harmful substances and are often one of the first places cancer spreads. Normally, cancer cells that travel to a lymph node stay inside the lymph node’s …
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A benign follicular nodule is a noncancerous lump that forms in the thyroid gland. The thyroid is a small, butterfly-shaped gland at the front of the neck that produces hormones to regulate metabolism, energy levels, and many other body functions. The word “benign” means that the nodule is not a cancer and cannot spread to …
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Reflux esophagitis, also known as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), is a common condition that occurs when acid from the stomach flows backward (refluxes) into the esophagus. This acid irritates the inner lining of the esophagus, causing inflammation and tissue damage. Over time, this can lead to symptoms that affect eating, swallowing, and overall comfort. What …
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Eosinophilic esophagitis is a chronic inflammatory condition that affects the esophagus, the muscular tube that carries food from your mouth to your stomach. In this condition, the inner lining of the esophagus becomes inflamed due to the buildup of eosinophils, a type of white blood cell involved in allergic responses. Over time, this inflammation can …
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Thrombotic microangiopathy (TMA) is a group of conditions where red blood cells (RBCs) are destroyed by blood clots in small blood vessels such as capillaries and arterioles. TMA is also associated with decreased platelets and organ damage. Diseases in this group include: Disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP) Hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS) TMA …
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Megaloblastic anemia is a type of anemia caused by low levels of vitamin B12 or folate in the body. Anemia means that the number of red blood cells (RBCs) or the amount of hemoglobin in the blood is lower than normal. RBCs which carry oxygen in your blood require vitamin B12 and folate to develop …
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