Category: Pathology

Lymphoplasmacytic lymphoma This is a tumor of mature B-cells, in which these tumor cells differentiate largely into immunoglobulin M producing plasma cells. It usually affects people between 60 & 70 years of age. Histologically, these neoplastic plasma cells contain Russell bodies (Cytoplasmic Ig) & Dutcher bodies (nuclear Ig) on periodic acid-Schiff stain. The cause is Read more

Introduction White blood cell disorders as a topic, requires undivided attention as their signs overlap on some occasions. Quality attention creates a room for better decision making in diagnosis and scheduling treatment. These white cell disorders usually originate from hematopoietic cells of either common myeloid or common lymphoid progenitors in bone marrows. White cell disorders Read more

ANEURYSM Aneurysm is the abnormal dilation of a segment of arterial blood vessel or heart. There are two types: True and false aneurysm. True aneurysm is the dilation of an intact, modified wall of arterial blood vessel or heart. E.g. atherosclerotic, syphilitic, & congenital aneurysm; ventricular aneurysm following transmural myocardial infarction. There are two types Read more

Introduction Worldwide, an estimate of 1 in 4 adults between 30 to 79 years of age have hypertension. According to the National Heart, Lung, & Blood Institute (NHLBI) of the U.S.A., The standard threshold for clinically significant hypertension is ≥140/90mmHg. However, other factors may affect this threshold.   The NHLBI defines a malignant hypertension as Read more

PROTOZOA These are parasitic unicellular organisms that have an outer cell membrane, with membrane covering nuclei and organelles. Their sizes span from 1µm to 50µm. Below are a few examples: Plasmodium species The plasmodium species are protozoa that include: P. falciparum; P. ovale; P. malariae; P. vivax. They are the cause of malaria, and their Read more

Neisseria meningitidis, N. gonorrhea These are aerobic gram-negative diplococci bacteria. Transmission of N. meningitidis occurs by inhalation. This bacterium colonizes the oropharynx and causes bacterial meningitis in children under 2 years. N. gonorrhea is found in the genital, cervical, pharyngeal, and anal mucosa. Transmission occurs by sexual route. Causes symptomatic urethritis in men, pelvic inflammatory Read more

Introduction With infection control methods including sanitation and vaccination programs, deaths from infection are still reported. The older population with chronic diseases and weak immunity die more than the younger population. Children and young adults are more likely to die more from immunodeficiency syndromes than older people. Infectious agents range from abnormal proteins (prions) to Read more

Introduction The clinical implications of tumor cells may range from minute to large depending on their stages. Signs and symptoms may also reflect the primary anatomical sites involved, including adjacent locations as well. Before we dive into the clinical implications, let’s discuss the routes of cancer spread & tumor immunity. Cancers may spread through these Read more