p53 is a protein made by a gene called TP53, which plays a critical role in protecting the body from cancer. Because of this, p53 is known as a tumor suppressor. The TP53 gene is located on chromosome 17 and provides instructions for making the p53 protein, which works like a quality control inspector inside …
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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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p63 is a protein that acts as a transcription factor, meaning it helps control when certain genes are turned on or off in cells. It plays a vital role in the development and maintenance of epithelial tissues, which are the layers of cells that line and protect surfaces throughout the body, including the skin, airways, …
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Melanoma is a type of cancer that starts in cells called melanocytes. These cells are found in the skin and produce melanin, a pigment that gives your skin its color. Melanocytes are also found in mucosal tissues, such as the lining of the mouth, nose, and rectum. Melanoma occurs when these cells grow out of …
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Inflammation is the body’s natural defense response to injury, infection, or irritation. When tissue is damaged or threatened, the immune system sends specialized cells and chemical signals to the affected area to fight off the cause of the injury and begin the healing process. Inflammation is a normal and necessary process — without it, wounds …
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A gland is a special structure in the body made up of cells that are designed to produce and release substances. These substances may be fluids, hormones, or enzymes that help the body function normally. Some glands release their products onto body surfaces, such as the inside of the mouth or stomach, while others release …
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Fibrosis is a process where the body forms too much fibrous connective tissue, commonly known as scar tissue, in an organ or tissue. This usually occurs as part of your body’s natural healing response after injury or long-term inflammation. While fibrosis helps repair damage, excessive scarring can cause problems by replacing healthy tissue and disrupting …
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Dysplasia is a word pathologists use to describe cells that look abnormal and disorganized under the microscope but have not turned into cancer. In most parts of the body, dysplasia is a precancerous change, which means the cells carry a higher-than-normal risk of developing into cancer over time if they are left untreated. The abnormal …
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In pathology, the term “differentiated” describes how specialized or mature the cells are within a tissue or organ. Differentiation is a natural process where cells develop unique structures and functions, allowing them to perform specific tasks in the body. Well-differentiated cells closely resemble normal, healthy cells, while less differentiated cells look more abnormal and lack …
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Epithelial cells are specialized cells normally found on the surface of an organ or tissue. They connect to form a thin barrier called an epithelium. Cancers that arise from these cells are called carcinomas. Epithelial cells are divided into different types based on their shape, size, function, and location. Some are flat and thin, some …
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