Tumour necrosis is a term pathologists use to describe areas of dead cells within a tumour. Necrosis happens when tumour cells die and become non-functional. These areas of dead cells can occur in any cancer and are often easy to see under a microscope when examining tumour samples. What causes tumour necrosis? Several factors can …
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High-grade papillary urothelial carcinoma is a type of cancer that starts from specialized cells lining the urinary tract. The urinary tract includes the kidneys, ureters, bladder, and urethra, with the bladder being the most common site for these tumours. This type of cancer is described as high grade because the tumour cells appear very abnormal …
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Low-grade papillary urothelial carcinoma is a type of cancer that begins from specialized cells lining the urinary tract. The urinary tract includes the kidneys, ureters, bladder, and urethra, with most tumours appearing in the bladder. This cancer is called low-grade because, under the microscope, the tumour cells look quite similar to normal, healthy urothelial cells. …
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Reactive lymphoid hyperplasia is a benign (noncancerous) increase in the number of immune cells called lymphocytes. This change commonly affects small immune organs called lymph nodes, When this happens, the lymph nodes may appear enlarged. This change may also be seen in other organs where a large number of lymphocytes are normally found. This includes …
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In pathology, the term ‘reactive changes’ is used to describe cells or tissues that look abnormal as a result of alterations in their environment. These changes can include infection, physical injury, medication, and inflammation. By definition, these changes are benign (non-cancerous) in nature. Anything that alters the environment of a tissue can cause the cells …
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CDX2 is a protein made by cells that line the inside of the gastrointestinal tract, including the small intestine and the colon. It plays an important role in controlling how these intestinal cells grow and develop. Why do pathologists test for CDX2? Pathologists test for CDX2 to help determine if cells seen in a tissue …
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Tubal metaplasia is a non-cancerous change where the cells normally found in an organ or tissue are replaced by those normally found in the fallopian tube. Like the cells normally found in the fallopian tube, the new cells often have small hair-like projections called cilia. This change is commonly found in the ovary, endometrium, cervix, …
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What is squamous cell carcinoma of the vulva? Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of the vulva is a type of cancer that starts from cells in the skin on the surface of the vulva. What causes squamous cell carcinoma of the vulva? SCC of the vulva commonly develops from one of two pre-cancerous diseases: high-grade squamous …
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A carcinoid tumourlet is a small, non-cancerous growth found in the lungs. It is made up of special cells called neuroendocrine cells. Neuroendocrine cells are normally found throughout the lungs, especially in the airways. When these cells group together and grow slightly more than normal, they can form tiny structures called tumourlets. To be called …
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What is the liver? The liver is an organ found in the right upper part of your abdominal cavity. It is responsible for removing toxins, processing medications, and producing substances such as bile that are essential for breaking down and using food. The liver contains multiple types of cells which make up its structure and …
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