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 group of specialized epithelial cells connected side by side to create a round structure with a central open space called a lumen. Glands are found in organs throughout the body including the breast, digestive tract, salivary glands, prostate gland, skin, and female reproductive tract. What do glands do? The function of …
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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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In pathology, the term “differentiated” describes how specialized or mature the cells are within a tissue or organ. Differentiation is a natural process where cells develop unique structures and functions, allowing them to perform specific tasks in the body. Well-differentiated cells closely resemble normal, healthy cells, while less differentiated cells look more abnormal and lack …
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Desmoplasia is an abnormal reaction that occurs when cancer cells interact with the supportive tissue surrounding them, known as stroma. The stroma is a specialized type of connective tissue that provides structure and support for organs and tissues. In the presence of cancer cells, the stroma often responds by becoming thick, firm, and scar-like, creating …
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