patient education

Blastoid: Definition

In pathology, the term “blastoid” refers to cells that have features resembling immature precursor cells, known as blasts, which are typically found in the bone marrow. These cells are generally considered abnormal and can be indicative of aggressive and rapidly proliferating diseases, often seen in certain types of cancers. Microscopic features of blastoid cells Blastoid …
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Blasts: Definition

In pathology, the term “blasts” refers to immature cells in the early stages of development into mature cells. These cells are typically found in the bone marrow, which is part of the normal process of blood cell formation known as hematopoiesis. Blasts can develop into various types of blood cells, such as red blood cells, white …
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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 metastasis?

Metastasis is a term used in pathology to describe the process by which cancer spreads from where it first started (the primary site) to other body parts. When cancer cells break away from the original tumor, they can travel through the bloodstream or the lymphatic system (a network of vessels and nodes that helps fight …
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Your pathology report for keratosis without dysplasia in the larynx

Keratosis without dysplasia in the larynx refers to a condition where the tissue that covers the inside surface of the larynx is abnormally thick without showing signs of dysplasia, which means there are no precancerous changes in the cells. This change is most commonly seen in the vocal cords although other parts of the larynx …
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Odontogenic Cyst: Understanding Your Pathology Report

An odontogenic cyst is a growth arising from tooth-forming tissues in the bones of the jaw (the mandible and maxilla). While most are benign (non-cancerous), some have the potential to become very large which can damage surrounding structures. What are the most common types of odontogenic cysts? Radicular cyst (periapical cyst): The most common type, …
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Radicular Cyst of the Jaw: Understanding Your Pathology Report

A radicular cyst, also known as a periapical cyst, is the most common type of odontogenic cyst. It typically develops at the apex (tip) of a tooth’s root. Usually, it’s associated with a non-vital (dead) tooth, often as a result of dental decay, trauma, or other factors leading to nerve death in the tooth. How …
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Focal Active Colitis: Understanding Your Pathology Report

Focal active colitis is a pattern of inflammation in the colon that a pathologist describes after examining tissue under a microscope. The word focal means the inflammation is limited to small, scattered areas rather than affecting the colon lining broadly. The word active means the inflammation is recent or currently happening, driven by immune cells …
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Chromogranin: Definition

Chromogranin is a family of proteins primarily found in neuroendocrine cells—specialized cells that release hormones into the blood in response to signals from the nervous system. The main types are chromogranin A, B, and C. These proteins play a crucial role in the storage and release of hormones.​ Why do pathologists test for chromogranin? Pathologists …
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