Squamous cells are flat, thin cells that form the outermost layer of your skin and line the surfaces of various organs inside your body. Their flattened, scale-like shape provides an effective protective barrier for the tissues underneath. Where are squamous cells normally found? Squamous cells cover many body surfaces, both externally and internally. They make …
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A sarcoma is a type of cancer that starts in connective tissues, which are the structures in the body that support, protect, and hold other tissues together. Connective tissues include bones, muscles, fat, blood vessels, and nerves. Sarcomas can develop almost anywhere, but they most commonly occur in the arms, legs, and abdomen. Sarcomas are …
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In pathology, poorly differentiated is a term used to describe how cancer cells look under a microscope. When cells are poorly differentiated, they appear very different from normal cells in the body. Normal cells are well-organized and have specific structures, but poorly differentiated cells lose these typical features, making it hard to tell where they …
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In pathology, the term pleomorphic is used to describe cells that appear very different from each other when viewed under a microscope. Pleomorphic cells vary significantly in size, shape, and colour. Although pathologists may describe the whole cell as pleomorphic, they usually focus on the appearance of the cell’s nucleus (the part containing genetic material …
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In pathology, the term papillary is used to describe finger-like projections of tissue with cells lining the outside surface of the tissue and a central fibrovascular core. Pathologists use the term micropapillary to describe similar but smaller projections of tissue. Papillary growth is most commonly seen in tumours including both benign (noncancerous) and malignant (cancerous) …
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What does myxoid mean? In pathology, the term myxoid is used to describe tissue that contains a large concentration of complex sugars called mucopolysaccharides. These sugars give the tissue a gelatinous consistency and make the tissue appear light blue when stained with hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) and examined under the microscope. Is myxoid tissue normal? No. …
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Inflammation is your body’s natural defense mechanism against injury, irritation, or infection. It is a process in which your immune system sends specialized cells, proteins, and chemical signals to an affected area to protect your body and aid in its healing. Although inflammation is usually beneficial and necessary, it can sometimes cause discomfort or harm …
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Hyperplasia is a non-cancerous condition characterized by an increased number of cells within a tissue or organ. This increase in cell number can cause the affected tissue to grow larger or thicker. Hyperplastic is another term commonly used to describe tissues that have undergone hyperplasia. This change can only be seen when the tissue is …
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A gland is a special structure in the body made up of cells that are designed to produce and release substances. These substances may be fluids, hormones, or enzymes that help the body function normally. Some glands release their products onto body surfaces, such as the inside of the mouth or stomach, while others release …
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Fibrosis is a process where the body forms too much fibrous connective tissue, commonly known as scar tissue, in an organ or tissue. This usually occurs as part of your body’s natural healing response after injury or long-term inflammation. While fibrosis helps repair damage, excessive scarring can cause problems by replacing healthy tissue and disrupting …
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