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Calcification: Definition

Calcification is the buildup of calcium salts within body tissue where calcium is not normally found in significant amounts. While calcium is essential in bones and teeth — where it provides strength and structure — its accumulation in soft tissues such as the breast, arteries, lymph nodes, or organs is abnormal and can signal a …
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Tangentially Sectioned: Definition

In pathology, a tangentially sectioned tissue sample is one cut at an angle rather than straight across. When a sample is cut at an angle, the layers of tissue overlap in the thin slice placed on the microscope slide. This can make the sample difficult to interpret, and sometimes it prevents the pathologist from seeing …
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Atypical Endometrial Hyperplasia: Understanding Your Pathology Report

Atypical endometrial hyperplasia (AEH) is a precancerous condition of the lining of the uterus, which is called the endometrium. In this condition, the glands that make up the lining become crowded and irregular, and the cells lining them look abnormal. The word atypical refers to that abnormal appearance of the cells. AEH is not cancer. …
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Pleomorphic Adenoma: Understanding Your Pathology Report

Pleomorphic adenoma is a noncancerous tumor that starts in the salivary glands — the glands that make saliva. It is the most common salivary gland tumor of any kind, in both adults and children, and accounts for about two-thirds of all salivary gland tumors. The name “pleomorphic” means “many shapes” and refers to the mix …
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Follicular Lymphoma: Understanding Your Pathology Report

Follicular lymphoma is a group of closely related blood cancers that start in B cells — specialized white blood cells that normally help the body fight infection. These cancers are called “follicular” because the abnormal cells grow in round clusters called follicles, resembling the normal structures found inside healthy lymph nodes. Follicular lymphoma is the …
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Seborrheic Keratosis: Understanding Your Pathology Report

Seborrheic keratosis is a very common, noncancerous (benign) skin growth. It develops from squamous cells, the flat cells that make up the epidermis (the outer layer of the skin). Seborrheic keratoses become more common with age, and many people develop several over time. This article explains what a seborrheic keratosis is, what the findings in …
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