MICROSCOPIC DESCRIPTIONS

Alveolar

Tumor cells from patterns resembling small, microscopic sacs; commonly found in tumors of muscle, bone, fat, and cartilarge.

Carcinoma in situ

Referring to localized tumor cells that have not invaded adjacent structures. Cancer of the cervix may begin as carcinoma in situ.

Diffuse

Spreading evenly throughout the affected tissue. Malignant lymphomas may display diffuse involvment of lymph nodes.

Dysplastic

Pertaining to abnormal formation of cells. These tumors display a highly abnormal but not clearly cancerous appearance. Dysplastic nevi (moles on skin) are an example.

Epidermoid

Resembling squamous epithelial cells (thin, plate-like), often occurring in the respiratory tract.

Follicular

Forming small, moicroscopic, gland-type sacs. Thyroid gland cancer is an example.

Nodular

Forming multiple areas of tightly packed clusters of cells with lightly populated areas in between. Maligant lymphomas may display a nodular pattern of lymph node involvement.

Papillary

Forming small, finger-like or nipple-like projections of cells. Bladder cancer may be described as papillary.

Pleomorphic

Composed of a varitey of types of cells. Mixed-cell tumors are examples.

Scirrhous

Densely packed (scirrhous means hard) tumors, overgrown with fibrous tissue; commonly found in breast or stomach cancers.

Undifferentiated

Lacking microscopic structures typical of normal mature cells.