Adipose tissue, commonly known as fat, exists throughout our bodies. We find it in large quantities under the skin, where it’s known as subcutaneous adipose tissue, and in the abdomen, where it covers and protects our internal organs. Under microscopic examination, this type of tissue is made up of large round cells. The cells typically …
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Anaplastic is a term for tumour cells that have lost their normal structure and function. Anaplastic tumor cells look very different from the normal cells from which they originated and tend to behave more aggressively. Key features of anaplastic cells include: Loss of differentiation: Normal cells are specialized and have specific functions. Anaplastic cells lose …
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Adenosquamous carcinoma is a type of cancer that contains two kinds of cancer cells: glandular cells and squamous cells. Glandular cells typically produce substances such as mucus, while squamous cells form the outer layers of skin and line internal surfaces in the body. Because of these two cell types, adenosquamous carcinoma shares features with two …
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In pathology, the term atypia describes cells that look abnormal when examined under the microscope. These changes can affect the cytoplasm (body) of the cell or the nucleus (the part of the cell that holds the genetic material). Does atypia mean malignant? Atypia does not necessarily mean malignant (cancerous). While malignant tumors commonly contain cells …
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Apoptosis, often referred to as programmed cell death, is a natural and highly regulated process that occurs in all animals. It plays a crucial role in various biological functions, including development, tissue homeostasis, and the elimination of damaged or unnecessary cells. It is characterized by a series of well-orchestrated cellular events that lead to the …
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Adenocarcinoma is a malignant (cancerous) tumour made up of glandular cells. These cells are normally found inside organs such as the lungs, breast, stomach, pancreas, colon, ovaries, and endometrium. It is the most common type of cancer affecting internal organs. This type of cancer can sometimes spread to other parts of the body, such as the brain, liver, …
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An adenoma is a benign (noncancerous) tumour that forms from glandular cells. Glandular cells are specialized cells that produce and release important substances, such as mucus or enzymes, to help organs function properly. Adenomas are typically harmless, but they can sometimes develop into cancer over time. What causes an adenoma? The exact cause of an …
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Acute inflammation is the body’s natural and immediate response to injury or infection. It helps protect the body by quickly sending blood cells and substances to the affected area to begin healing. This response usually happens within minutes or hours of injury and typically lasts a short period, from a few days to a couple …
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Immunohistochemistry (IHC) is a widely used laboratory test that involves the use of antibodies to detect specific antigens (proteins) in cells within tissue sections. Pathologists use this test to see the distribution and localization of specific proteins within different parts of a tissue, thereby providing valuable diagnostic, prognostic, and predictive information. How does immunohistochemistry work? …
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In pathology, the term “tumour” refers to an abnormal growth of cells in the body. These cells multiply uncontrollably, forming a mass or lump. Tumours can develop in any part of the body. How are tumours categorized? Tumours are categorized based on their nature and behaviour. They can be either benign or malignant. Benign tumours …
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