In pathology, dedifferentiation describes a process where mature, specialized cells change back (revert) to a less specialized, more primitive form. This is commonly seen in cancer, where tumour cells that were initially more mature and less aggressive become less mature and more aggressive. When cells become dedifferentiated, they tend to grow more rapidly and lose …
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High grade B cell lymphoma NOS (HGBL NOS) is a type of cancer that starts in the white blood cells called B cells. These cells are part of the immune system and help protect your body from infections and diseases. “High grade” means that this type of cancer is likely to grow and spread quickly …
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Calcitonin is a hormone produced by specialized cells in the thyroid gland called C cells (also known as parafollicular cells). Its primary role in the body is to help regulate blood calcium levels — when calcium levels rise too high, calcitonin lowers them by slowing bone breakdown and reducing the release of calcium into the …
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Keratosis without dysplasia of the larynx means the lining of the voice box has built up an unusually thick layer of keratin, a tough protective protein, but the cells themselves look normal. It is most often found on the vocal cords, though it can occur anywhere in the larynx. The second half of the name …
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In pathology, the term malignant transformation describes the development of a malignant (cancerous) tumour from a benign (noncancerous) tumour or a precancerous disease. Malignant transformation is important because the cells in the malignant tumour can grow into nearby tissues and metastasize (spread) to distant organs such as lymph nodes and the lungs. Common conditions that …
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Cystic degeneration refers to a process where tissue undergoes changes that result in the formation of fluid-filled structures called cysts. This change develops when the tissue starts to break down or degenerate for various reasons. Cystic degeneration can be caused by several factors, depending on the tissue or organ involved: Aging: As tissues age, they …
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The Ki-67 labeling index is a number that tells doctors what percentage of cells in a tissue sample are actively dividing. It is based on a test for Ki-67, a protein that appears in the nucleus of cells when they prepare to divide. Cells that are resting and not dividing do not show Ki-67. By …
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Low grade fibromyxoid sarcoma (also known as Evan’s tumour) is a rare type of soft tissue cancer. As its name suggests, low grade fibromyxoid sarcoma is typically considered a low grade sarcoma, meaning it tends to grow and spread more slowly compared to high grade tumours. However, it has a potential for late recurrence and …
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Alveolar soft part sarcoma (ASPS) is a rare soft-tissue cancer that develops in the muscles, fat, or connective tissue of the body. Despite its name, it does not start in the alveoli of the lungs. Instead, the term “alveolar” refers to the way the tumor cells are arranged under the microscope. The cells tend to …
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Invasive adenocarcinoma of the rectum (also known as rectal adenocarcinoma) is the most common type of rectal cancer. It is made up of cells that normally cover the inside surface of the rectum. This type of cancer often starts in a polyp such as a tubular adenoma, tubulovillous adenoma, or villous adenoma. This article will help …
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