In pathology, rhabdoid describes tumour cells resembling immature muscle cells called rhabdomyoblasts. Although these cells resemble developing muscle cells, they are not actually muscle-related, and tumours with rhabdoid cells typically do not arise from muscle tissue. Instead, “rhabdoid” refers specifically to their appearance under a microscope. Tumours containing rhabdoid cells tend to behave aggressively and …
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Leukemia is a type of cancer that affects the blood and bone marrow, the spongy tissue inside bones where blood cells are made. It is characterized by the rapid production of abnormal white blood cells (WBCs), which are not fully developed and do not function properly. These abnormal cells can accumulate in the blood and …
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A papilloma is a common type of benign (non-cancerous) tumour that arises from epithelial cells on the outside or inside surface of an organ or tissue. Most papillomas are described as exophytic because they grow outwardly from the surface of the tissue. In contrast, endophytic or inverted papillomas grow down from the surface into the …
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In pathology, the term amorphous is used to describe material that has no clear shape or structure when viewed under a microscope. Unlike normal tissues and cells, which have distinct forms and patterns, amorphous material appears shapeless and unorganized, often as a featureless background or a dense mass with no identifiable cell types. This word …
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Neuroendocrine differentiation is a term pathologists use to describe cells that exhibit features of both nerve cells and hormone-producing cells. These cells are capable of producing, storing, and releasing hormones, much like cells in the nervous and endocrine systems. Neuroendocrine differentiation can be seen in both normal tissues and tumours. When seen in a tumour, …
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Macrophages are a type of white blood cell that plays a vital role in protecting the body from infection and in keeping tissues healthy. Their name comes from Greek words meaning “big eaters,” because they can surround, swallow, and digest harmful substances such as bacteria, viruses, and dead cells — a process called phagocytosis. Macrophages …
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The term “peripheral nerve sheath tumour” (PNST) refers to a group of tumours that arise from the nerve sheath, which is the protective covering of the peripheral nerves. These nerves are the ones that extend outside the central nervous system (brain and spinal cord) to the rest of the body. The nerve sheath is made …
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An aneurysmal bone cyst is a benign (non-cancerous) tumour of bone composed of multiple blood-filled spaces separated by thin walls of tissue. Despite the name, it is not related to blood vessel aneurysms. The expanding cystic spaces can weaken bone and cause pain or swelling. This article explains the pathology report for aneurysmal bone cyst, …
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Grade 2 chondrosarcoma, also known as intermediate grade chondrosarcoma, is a type of cancer made up of cartilage that develops within the medulla (central space) of a bone. It is one of the most common types of primary bone cancer in adults. Why is the grade important? Chondrosarcomas are graded based on their appearance under …
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Grade 1 chondrosarcoma, also known as low-grade chondrosarcoma, is a type of cancer made up of cartilage that develops within the medulla (central space) of a bone. It is one of the most common types of primary bone cancer in adults. Why is the grade important? Chondrosarcomas are graded based on their appearance under the …
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