Follicular neoplasm is a term used by pathologists to describe a growth in the thyroid gland that is made up of cells that look like normal thyroid follicular cells. This term is most often used as a preliminary diagnosis after a test called a fine-needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB). Because the cells from a follicular neoplasm …
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What is a pleomorphic lipoma? A pleomorphic lipoma is a non-cancerous tumour made up of fat and spindle cells. This tumour commonly starts around the upper back and neck but can be found almost anywhere in the body. Most grow just under our skin where they feel like a soft lump. Another name for this …
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In pathology, well differentiated is a term used to describe how tumor cells look when examined under a microscope. Tumor cells described as well differentiated closely resemble the normal, healthy cells of the tissue from which the tumor started. These cells typically appear organized, uniform in size and shape, and maintain many features of their …
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What is a corpus luteum cyst? A corpus luteum cyst is a non-cancerous fluid-filled growth in the ovary. These types of cysts are very common in women of reproductive age. What causes a corpus luteum cyst? The corpus luteum is a normal structure that remains in the ovary after ovulation. It is made up of …
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What are cystic follicles and follicle cysts in the ovary? Cystic follicles and follicle cysts are related non-cancerous changes commonly seen when the ovary of a reproductive-age woman is examined under the microscope. Both are created by the growth of a normal structure called a follicle that did not release its ovum (egg) during the …
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What is a bile duct hamartoma? A bile duct hamartoma, also known as a von Meyenburg complex, is a non-cancerous liver tumour made up of disorganized bile ducts. It is a common type of liver tumour seen in approximately 3-6% of the population. Some may appear before birth during the time in fetal development when …
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What is a Schneiderian papilloma? A Schneiderian papilloma is a non-cancerous tumour that starts from the tissue that lines the inside of the nasal cavity and paranasal sinus. Pathologists divide Schneiderian papillomas into three types: inverted, exophytic, and oncocytic. Another name for Schneiderian papilloma is sinonasal papilloma. Is Schneiderian papilloma a type of cancer? No. …
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Immunoreactivity is a term pathologists use to describe how cells or tissues respond to a special laboratory test called immunohistochemistry (IHC). In this test, antibodies are applied to a tissue sample to look for specific proteins. If the protein being tested is present, the antibody will attach to it, and the cells will change color …
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In pathology, tangentially sectioned is used to describe a tissue sample that is difficult to examine under the microscope because it has been cut on an angle. This may prevent your pathologist from providing a complete diagnosis based on the tissue sample available. Tangential sectioning is typically in small tissue samples such as biopsies. How …
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Background: Deep fibromatosis or desmoid tumour is a benign (non-cancerous) type of tumour that starts in connective tissue. It is considered locally aggressive because it can grow into surrounding tissues and organs. The tumour can also grow back if not completely removed. However, it will not metastasize (spread) to other body parts. Other names for …
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