patient care

Cribriform Morular Thyroid Carcinoma: Understanding Your Pathology Report

Cribriform morular thyroid carcinoma (CMTC) is a rare type of thyroid gland cancer. The thyroid is a butterfly-shaped gland in the neck that produces hormones important for metabolism. Cribriform morular thyroid carcinoma is unique due to its specific appearance under the microscope and its association with certain genetic conditions. What are the symptoms of cribriform …
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What is nonkeratinizing?

In pathology, the term nonkeratinizing describes squamous cells that have not undergone keratinization. Keratinization is a natural process where cells produce and store a tough, protective protein called keratin. When squamous cells do not go through this process, they are called nonkeratinizing. Nonkeratinizing squamous cells are normally found in moist mucosal tissues throughout the body. …
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Basal Cells: Definition

Basal cells are a type of cell found at the very bottom (the “base”) of certain tissues, such as the skin and the lining of some internal organs. They are located in a thin layer at the bottom of the epithelium just above the basement membrane. Basal cells act like stem cells because they divide …
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Dyskeratotic Cells: Definition

Dyskeratotic cells are squamous cells that have undergone premature or abnormal keratinization, a process by which cells produce and accumulate a protein called keratin. Under microscopic examination, these cells are smaller and pinker than normal squamous cells. Dyskeratotic cells can be seen in a variety of precancerous, cancerous, infectious, and inflammatory conditions. What conditions are …
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Fibroblasts: Definition

Fibroblasts are a type of cell normally found in connective tissue. They play an important role in maintaining the structural framework of tissues and organs in the body. They are one the most common types of cells found in connective tissue and are primarily involved in producing and secreting the extracellular matrix, which provides structural …
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Sinonasal Angiofibroma: Understanding Your Pathology Report

Background: Sinonasal angiofibroma is a locally aggressive but benign tumour originating in the nasal cavity or nasopharynx. It exclusively affects males. Alternative names for this tumour include juvenile angiofibroma and nasopharyngeal angiofibroma. What are the symptoms of sinonasal angiofibroma? The symptoms of sinonasal angiofibroma include recurring nosebleeds and nasal congestion, while more extensive tumours may …
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What is apocrine metaplasia?

Apocrine metaplasia is a benign (non-cancerous) change in which the normal cells in a tissue are replaced by cells that resemble apocrine cells. Apocrine cells are a special type of glandular cell normally found in the skin. The word metaplasia refers to the replacement of one type of mature cell by another. Apocrine metaplasia is …
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Glandular Cells: Definition

Glandular cells are specialized epithelial cells that form the functional units of most internal organs. They are involved in the production and secretion of substances that aid in the normal activity of the organ. These substances may include enzymes, hormones, mucus, or other products that are released into ducts, surfaces, or the bloodstream for various …
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What is metastatic adenocarcinoma?

Metastatic adenocarcinoma refers to cancer that has spread from its original (primary) site to other parts of the body. The term adenocarcinoma specifically refers to a type of cancer made up of glandular cells, which are the cells found inside most internal organs. For example, if someone has metastatic adenocarcinoma of the breast, it means …
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