A frozen section is a test used in pathology to provide a quick diagnosis of a tissue sample during surgery. It is called a “frozen section” because the tissue is rapidly frozen soon after it is removed from the body. This technique allows pathologists to examine the tissue under a microscope to identify disease, often …
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Signet ring cells are abnormal cells seen in certain types of cancer. They get their name from their shape: each cell is filled with a substance called mucin, which pushes the cell’s nucleus (the part that holds genetic material) to the side, creating an appearance similar to a ring with a gemstone. Unlike most other types …
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Squamous cells are flat, thin cells that form protective surfaces on both the outside and inside of the body. Their shape resembles small plates or scales, allowing them to pack tightly together and create a strong barrier. This barrier protects the tissues underneath from injury, infection, and environmental exposure. These cells are part of a …
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A sarcoma is a type of cancer that starts in the body’s connective tissues. These tissues support and hold the body together and include bone, muscle, fat, blood vessels, nerves, and fibrous tissue (the tissue that gives structure and strength to organs). Because connective tissue is found throughout the body, sarcomas can begin almost anywhere. …
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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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Myxoid is a descriptive term pathologists use to describe tissue that has a gel-like, loose, or mucus-rich appearance when examined under the microscope. The word comes from the Greek myxa, meaning mucus. When tissue is described as myxoid, it means the space between the cells contains a large amount of a soft, jelly-like material, rather …
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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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