Histopathology Abbreviations and Terminology

Histopathology is the study of tissue structures and cellular changes under a microscope. It involves the examination of tissues and cells to diagnose diseases and conditions. In histopathology abbreviations and terminology are used to describe tissue structures, cellular changes, and diseases. Familiarity with these terms is essential for accurate diagnosis and communication among healthcare professionals.

A | B | C | D | E | F | G | H | I | J | K | L |M | N | O | P | Q | R | S | T | U | V | W | X | Y | Z

A

Term	Full Form	Description
AA	Anaplastic Anemia	Anaplastic Anemia is an uncommon disease resulting in deficiencies of blood cell production by bone marrow.
ABC	Advanced Breast Cancer	Metastatic or Stage IV breast cancer.
ABCD	Asymmetry, Border, Color, and Diameter	These are characteristics commonly used to asses if a mole is showing signs of skin cancer.
AD	Alzheimer’s Disease	This is a dementia that leads to deterioration of important mental functions such as thinking.
ADCC	Antibody-Dependent Cellular Cytotoxicity	A cell-mediated immune defense mechanism in which the immune system actively breaks down the membrane of a target cell.
Adenocarcinoma	Adenocarcinoma	A malignant tumor that arises in mucus-secreting glands.
Adjunct Agent	Adjunct Agent	A drug or substance used alongside a primary therapy during cancer therapy.
Adjuvant Chemotherapy	Adjuvant Chemotherapy	While chemotherapy is generally a standalone treatment or used in conjunction with radiation following surgical resection, adjuvant chemotherapy describes the use of chemotherapy in comparison to other cancer treatments.
Adjuvant Radiation Therapy	Adjuvant Radiation Therapy	Radiation therapy used after primary treatment for the prevention of a cancer relapse.
AGC	Atypical Glandular Cells	This diagnoses results from the appearance of cytological abnormalities in glandular cells that do not demonstrate all the characteristics of adenocarcinomas.
AIDS	Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome	The final stage of HIV where the T-cell (CD4 cell) count falls below 200.
ALAT / ALT	Alanine aminotransferase / alanine transaminase	ALAT is a catalyst of two parts of the alanine cycle, found in plasma and body tissues, most commonly found in the liver.
ALCL	Anaplastic Large-cell Lymphoma	This is a rare form of non-Hopkins lymphoma (NHL), but is more commonly seen as a T-cell lymphoma.
ALK	Anaplastic Lymphoma Kinase	ALK is one of the receptor tyrosine kinase (RTK) family of enzymes, which have significant roles in the proliferation and differentiation of cells. Recent studies have suggested that ALK may be a key target for drug development in oncological medicine. Read more at http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21642865
ALL	Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia	A fast-growing cancer of the antibody-producing lymphocytes. This disease is characterized by a greater presence of immature lymphocytes (lymphoblasts) than normally needed in the blood and bone marrow, and is the most common of pediatric cancers.
ALPS	Autoimmune Lymphoproliferative Syndrome	Also known as Canale-Smith Syndrome. This is a rare, genetic lymphoproliferative disorder that affects lymphocyte apoptosis.
AMKL	Acute Megakaryocytic Leukemia	This is a rare type of leukemia where most of the blasts are megakaryoblastic.
AML	Acute Myeloid Leukemia.	A form of cancer characterized by the presence of too many immature granulocytes in the bone marrow and blood.
ANA	Antinuclear Antibodies	Antibodies attack “normal” proteins found in the cellular nucleus. High levels of ANAs can trigger the body to begin attacking itself, leading to autoimmune diseases.
Anaplastic	Anaplastic	Cancer cells that proliferate quickly and unlike normal cells.
ANLL	Acute Non-Lymphocytic Leukemia	Too many immature white blood cells are present in the blood and bone marrow. ANLL is also known as Acute Myeloid Leukemia.
Antigen	Antigen	A foreign substance that results in the body triggering an immune response.
APL	Acute Promyelocytic Leukemia	This is a form of AML in which excess amounts of promyelocytes (immature white blood cells) are found in bone marrow.
Archived Tumor Sample	Archived Tumor Sample	Tumor sample preserved and stored through common processes.
ARMS	Alveolar Rhabdomyosarcoma	This is a cancer that usually affects the skeletal cells in the trunk, arms, and legs.
Aromatase Inhibitor	Aromatase Inhibitor	Medication that inhibits the aromatase enzyme, resulting in decreased levels of estrogen in the body.
ASPS	Alveolar Soft Part Sarcoma	This is a rare soft-tissue sarcoma typically found in children and young adults. ASPS is extremely uncommon and grows very slowly, making early detection difficult.
ATC	Anaplastic Thyroid Cancer	This is a very aggressive thyroid cancer.

B

Term	Full Form	Description
B-ALL	B-Cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia	A type of clonal malignancy characterized by excess accumulation of lymphoblasts that phenotypically resemble the early stages of normal B-cell differentiation.
BC	Breast Cancer	A common cancer that affects women and may rarely affect men. There are several types of breast cancer, and symptoms usually include a lump found in breast tissue or a change to the shape or texture of the breast.
BCC	Basal Cell Carcinoma	BCC is a type of skin cancer that creates lesions and uncontrolled growth in the basal cells of the epidermis.
BCL	B Cell Lymphoma.	This a a group of both Hodgkin’s and non-Hodgkin’s lymphomas that affect B cells.
BEB	Benign Essential Blepharospasm	This is a neurological condition in which the eyelid spasms uncontrollably, forcing it to close. The cause of the spasms is unknown.
Biomarker	Biomarker	A biomarker may indicate the presence of a substance that can identify a particular disease or state of infection, as well as give information about the characteristics of a disease. See also: Cluster of differentiation.
BM	Bone Marrow	Bone Marrow is the tissue found within bones. The production of red blood cells and lymphocytes is among the many vital functions of bone marrow.
BMPM	Benign Multicystic Peritoneal Mesothelioma	A very rare slow-growing tumor.
BRAF	B-Raf protein	A proto-oncogene gene that is a member of the kinase family.
BRCA1 and BRCA2		These genes typically assist in regulating cell growth, and mutations of these genes are the most well-known genes linked to breast and ovarian cancer development.
BT	Brain Tumor	The causes of a brain tumor are usually unknown, but both benign and malignant tumors can be life-threatening if not treated promptly.
BX	Biopsy.	A tissue sample taken for closer examination or testing, for diagnostic purposes.  Samples gathered for this purpose are subject to legally mandated retention protocols, and under certain conditions may be released as specimens for scientific research.

C

Term	Full Form	Description
Ca	Cancer, Carcinoma	Cancer is a disease in which some cells begin to replicate uncontrollably and spread into surrounding tissues.
Cancer Staging	Cancer Staging	Assigning a scale number to describe the spreading of a cancer. See Pathologic (or Histologic) Grade for more information.
Carcinoma in situ	Carcinoma in situ	A cluster of abnormal cells which have not spread from the tissue of origin nor invaded the basement membrane.
CBT	Carotid Body Tumor	These are slow-growing tumors located in the neck where the large carotid artery branches apart. These rare tumors are not life-threatening, but may eventually lead to damage to surrounding nerves and blood vessels. CBTs are also known as a chemodectoma or paraganglioma.
CCF	Congestive Cardiac Failure	This is a chronic condition in which the heart is functioning at sub-normal efficiency.
CD	Cluster of Differentiation	This is a protocol used for the identification and investigation of cell surface molecules providing targets for the immunophenotyping of cells.
CEA	Carcinoembryonic Antigen	These are glycoproteins, produced during fetal development, involved in cell adhesion.
CEMA	Chronic Enteroviral Meningoencephalitis in Agammaglobulinemia	This is a complication in X-Linked Agammaglobulinemia patients, and may be caused by viruses that attack that Central Nervous System.
CGL	Chronic Granulocytic Leukemia	A slow-progressing disease of the blood and bone marrow in which too many granulocytes are produced. This is also known as Chronic Myeloid Leukemia.
Chemotherapy	Chemotherapy	Treating cancer cells through the use of cytotoxic drugs. This treatment may be used alongside surgery, or with alternative treatment options.
Chromosome	Chromosome	A structure found in the nucleus of a cell which carries genetic information.
CIN	Cervical Intraepithelial Neoplasia	This is a non-cancerous abnormal growth of squamous cells on the cervix’s surface. CIN usually does not require treatment, but a small portion of cases may progress to cancer. CIN is also known as cervical dysplasia.
CIS	Carcinoma In Situ	CIS is a cluster of abnormal cells that does not spread beyond its tissue of origin. There is debate over whether or not CIS is classified as cancer, however, it is agreed that these cells have the potential to become
CLL	Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia	This is a type of leukemia that affects cells designated to be white blood cells in the bone marrow, which then move into the blood steam.
CLIA	Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments	These federal regulatory standards govern clinical laboratory testing conducted on humans in the United States were established in 1988.
Clinical Trial	Clinical Trial	A research study involving human subjects to test the effectiveness and safety of technologies, drugs, and procedures.
Clinically Validated	Clinically Validated	Ensuring that a procedure, data, or test is correct.
CMI	Cell-Mediated Immunity	This is an immune response to an antigen that actives T-lymphocytes and phagocytes.
CML	Chronic Myeloid Leukemia	Immature myeloid cells form the abnormal BCR-ABL gene. Also known as chronic myelogenous leukemia.
CMML	Chronic Myelomonocytic Leukemia.	This cancer affects the bone marrow’s blood-forming cells, and spreads into the blood stream.
CMS	Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services.	Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services.
CMV	CytoMegaloVirus	This is a common virus that, once affected, lasts a lifetime. It is a genus in the order Herpesvirales.
COD	Cause of Death.	Cause of Death.
Colectomy	Colectomy	Surgical removal of damaged colon tissue.
Colitis	Colitis	An inflamed colon, which may be present in many forms.
Colon Polyp	Colon Polyp	A fleshy clump of cells that grow on the inside lining of the colon.
Colonoscopy	Colonoscopy	An exam conducted to view the conditions of the inside of the colon through the use of a small fiber-optic scope.
Consent	Consent	Consent is a crucial regulatory aspect of specimen collection and use. Biorepositories must demonstrate that donors have given informed consent for the samples they donate. IRBs typically establish ethical guidelines for how tissues are collected and used.
Core Biopsy	Core Biopsy	The procedure which obtains a cylindrical tissue sample through the use of a hollow needle, usually used to test for breast cancer.
CPC	Choroid Plexus Carcinoma	CPC is located in ventricles and increases cerebrospinal fluid, which may result in hydrocephalus.
CRC	Colorectal Carninoma	This is a common cancer that affects the large intestine and/or rectum.
CRO	Contract Research Organization	An organization that performs research services on a contractual basis.
CSF	Cerebrospinal Fluid	This is a clear, cushioning fluid produced by the choroid plexuses. It is found in the brain and spinal cord.
CTC	Circulating Tumor Cell	These are cells from a primary tumor that circulate through the body via the bloodstream.
CTCL	Cutaneous T-cell Lymphoma.	CTCL is a non-Hodgkin lymphoma that causes accelerated growth of T-cells.
CVA	Cerebrovascular Accident	This is a stroke, where blood is unable to reach parts of the brain due to blood vessel ruptures or blockages.

D

Term	Full Form	Description
DAT	Direct Antiglobulin Test	DAT is a blood test that examines if antibodies have attached to the surface antigens of red blood cells. DAT is commonly used to test for autoimmune hemolytic anemia, where red blood cell counts are lowered due to the destruction of red blood cells. The direct antiglobulin test is also known as the direct Coombs test.
DHL	Diffuse Histolytic Lymphoma	DHL is a rare and aggressive form of non-Hodgkins lymphoma, characterized by abnormal lymphoid cells.
DI	Diabetes Insipidus	DI is a rare type of diabetes characterized by a deficiency in vasopressin, a hormone produced by the pituitary gland.
Diagnosis	Diagnosis	Using examinations, test results, and symptoms to identify a condition.
DIG Staining	Digoxigenin	A hapten which can be bound to nucleotides and sugars, is used as an immunohistochemical marker for in situ hybridization.
Distant Recurrence	Distant Recurrence	A cancer affecting parts of the body away from its tissue of origin.
DLBCL	Diffuse Large B-cell Lymphoma	Diffuse Large B-cell Lymphoma is the most common type of non-Hodgkin lymphoma. It affects lymphocytes, has several subtypes, and is very aggressive.
Dukes Staging System	Dukes Staging System	A system consisting of four stages used to assign levels of severity to rectal cancers.
Dysplasia	Dysplasia	Cells which undergo abnormal changes and may potentially develop into cancer.

E

Term	Full Form	Description
Early-Stage Invasive Breast Cancer	Early-Stage Invasive Breast Cancer	Stage I, stage II, and in some instances, stage III breast cancer.
EBV	Epstein-Barr Virus.	This is human herpesvirus 4, and can lead to infectious monocucleosis.
EGFR	Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor	Regulation of EGFR can be involved with some cancers. Related biomarkers can be used to predict the responsiveness of some cancers to certain treatments.
EMC	Extraskeletal Myxoid Chondrosarcoma	This is a very rare soft tissue sarcoma. While it does not progress quickly, this neoplasm has a tendency to recur and metastasize locally.
Endoscope	Endoscope	A medical instrument used to examine the internal parts of a body.
Endoscopy	Endoscopy	Examination of an interior body part through the use of an endoscope.
ER	Estrogen Receptor	A protein found on some cells that receives hormone signals.

F

Term	Full Form	Description
FFPE	Formalin Fixed Paraffin Embedded tissues	Sections from a FFPE block, composed of dehydrated tissue fixed with neutral buffered formalin and then infused and embedded in paraffin, are sliced for use.
FISH	Fluorescence In Situ Hybridization	This is a coming staining/screening technique in which fluorescent probes are used to indicate target sequences on chromosomes.
FNA	Fine Needle Aspiration	A biopsy performed with percutaneous insertion of a very thin needle to draw a fluid sample. Also, may refer to Fine Needle Aspirate, which is the fluid that is gathered by such a procedure.
Functional Genomics	Functional Genomics	The global-scale study of gene and protein expression and function through the use of genomic data.

G

Term	Full Form	Description
Gastroenterologist	Gastroenterologist	A doctor specializing in gastrointestinal tract diseases.
Gastroenterology	Gastroenterology	The medical branch which studies the stomach and intestines.
Gene	Gene	Heredity units passed from parent to offspring.
Gene Expression	Gene Expression	The process of using information from a gene to create a genetic product.
Gene Expression Profile	Gene Expression Profile	The activity levels of numerous genes from a specimen.
Genetics	Genetics	The study of heredity, genes, and characteristic variations.
Genome	Genome	The complete set of DNA for an organism.
Genomic Test	Genomic Test	A test that examines the changes in gene activity, often used to predict how a cancer may progress or be treated.
Genomics	Genomics	The study of genomes.
GIST	Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumors	A form of soft tissue sarcoma, the most common mesenchymal tumors found in or near the gastrointestical tract.
Gleason Score	Gleason Score	This is a prostate cancer prognosis tool that indicates the likelihood of a tumor spreading on a scale of 2 to 10. 2 is less likely to spread, and 10 is very likely to spread.

H

Term	Full Form	Description
Hand Foot Syndrome	Hand Foot Syndrome	Also known as Palmar-Plantar Erythrodysesthesia. Hand Foot Syndrome is characterized by redness, swelling, and pain on the palms and/or soles of the hands and feet. It can be a side effect resulting from several types of cancer treatments.
Hapten	Hapten	A small molecule that can only evoke an immune response when it is attached to a protein or other large carrier.
Hb	Hemoglobin (US spelling); Haemoglobin (alternate spelling).	The protein in red blood cells responsible for transporting oxygen. Abnormally elevated or reduced hemoglobin counts, are associated with a number of pathologies.  Several inherited single gene disorders are known to affect the structure and thus function of hemoglobin molecules.
HCC	Hepatocellular carcinoma	This is the most prevalent form of liver cancer. HCC is a primary cancer (originating in the liver) commonly caused by Cirrhosis.
HCL	Hairy Cell Leukemia.	HCL is a B-cell leukemia in which thin, hair-like tendrils develop around the B-lymphocytes.
HD	Hodgkin’s Disease.	HD is a type of lymphoma. Due to the expansive lymphatic system, Hodgkin’s Disease may originate nearly anywhere in the body, but most commonly originates in the lymph nodes of the upper body, particularly the neck.
HER2	Human Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor 2	This is a protein that promotes the growth of cancer cells. It is caused by a gene mutation, which can occur in many types of cancer. This gene mutation only occurs in cancer cells and can not be inherited.
H&E Staining	Hematoxylin and Eosin stain	H&E Staining utilizes hematoxylin (a basic, dark blue/violet stain) and eosin (an acidic, red/pink stain), and is the most commonly used stain for diagnosing medical issues.
HIPPA	Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act	Established in the early 1990’s, HIPAA is a federal regulation that standardizes electronic data exchanged within health care transactions, speficies security requirements for stored or exchanged health information.
HIV	Human Immunodeficiency Virus.	HIV is a virus, contracted through contact with infected blood, semen, or vaginal secretions, that destroys CD4 cells, resulting in a compromised immune system. This is a lifelong virus that progresses into AIDS. While there is currently no cure, medication is available to slow the progression.
HNPCC	Hereditary Nonpolyposis Colon Cancer.	Also known as Lynch Syndrome. This is an inherited syndrome that increases the risk of developing several types of cancer, especially colorectal cancers.
HNSCC	Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma	Cancer occuring in the upper aerodigestive tract, in the mucous membranes of the throat, mouth, and nose. Once it metastasizes, the prognosis worsens.
Hormonal Treatment	Hormone Therapy	These medications are used to reduce and regulate the hormones in the body. Hormone therapy is a common treatment for hormone-receptor-positive breast cancer.Hormonal therapies include aromatase inhibitors, selective estrogen receptor modulators, or estrogen receptor down regulators.
Hormone Receptor	Hormone Receptor	A protein on the surface of or within cells which bind to specific hormones. On tumorous cells, the hormones that attach to these receptors often signal cell growth.
HPE	Histopathological Examination	Histopathological Examination
HPV	Human Papillomavirus.	A very common sexually transmitted infection that often causes warts, but may lead to some types of cancer, particularly cervical cancer. There are over 150 types of HPV, each identified with a specific number.
HTLV	Human T-cell Leukemia-Lymphoma Virus	This is a retrovirus that targets T-cells and may lead to T-cell cancers or a demyelinating disease. HTLV is very similar to HIV.

I

Term	Full Form	Description
IEC	International Electrotechnical Commission	Defines common standards that are often used as guidelines by organizations working in the histology, pathology and biorepository industries.
IHC	ImmunoHistoChemistry.	This method uses antigen-antibody interactions to localize particular antigens in FFPE tissues.
Invasive Cancer	Invasive Cancer	Cancer that has spread away from its tissue of origin.
IQPC	Individualized Quality Control Plan	This is a quality control policy enforced by CLIA.
ISH	In Situ Hybridization	This is a common staining/screening technique in which probes are used to show the physical location of target molecules on within sectioned tissue.
ISO	International Organization for Standardization.	Defines common quality standards to be utilized as guidelines in industrial commerce and research.

K

Term	Full Form	Description
KRAS	Kirsten rat sarcoma	Kirsten rat sarcoma viral oncogene homolog. This is one of three known human RAS genes, which together are the most common oncogenes in human cancer.  KRAS mutations are found in approximately 90% of pancreatic carcinomas, and in very high rates with leukemias, lung cancers, and colorectal cancers as well. KRAS is a membrane bound GTPase involved in signaling. More information can be found at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/KRAS

L

Term	Full Form	Description
LCH	Langerhan’s Cell Histiocytosis.	This is a rare disease characterized by excess proliferation of Langerhan’s cells forming granulomas, frequently in the dermis or bones. Commonly diagnosed between ages 1 and 3.
LMM	Lentigo Maligna Melanoma	This is a type of melanoman commonly found in skin that has suffered chronic sun damage.
Local Recurrence	Local Recurrence	When a cancer reappears in or near its place of origin.
Lumpectomy	Lumpectomy	Surgically removing a lump from the breast.

M

Term	Full Form	Description
Malignant	Malignant	In terms of tumors, malignant tumors are aggressive and are able to invade nearby tissue and metastasize to other regions of the body.
Mastectomy	Mastectomy	A surgical operation that removes all or a section of the breast tissue.
MDS	MyeloDysplastic Syndromes.	MDS refers to a group of disorders in which disordered haematopoiesis results in insufficient quantities of viable blood cells.
MEN	Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia	A group of rare inherited disorders that affect the endocrine system’s glands.
Metastasis	Metastasis	The spread of cancer to other organs of the body, or the spread of the tumor from its primary site. Typically in cancers, the cancer will move to a lymph node first, then to more distant areas of the body.
Mets	Mets	Metastatic cells at a secondary location.
MI	Myocardial Infarction	Commonly referred to as a heart attack.
MM	Malignant Melanoma	This is the most serious type of skin cancer.
MPNST	Malignant Peripheral Nerve Sheath Tumor.	A sarcoma that affects the connective tissues surrounding nerves.
Molecular Diagnostics	Molecular Diagnostics	The analysis of biomarkers in the genome and proteome.
MRT	Malignant Rhabdoid Tumor	A highly aggressive kidney tumor usually found in children.

N

Term	Full Form	Description
NAT	Normal Adjacent Tissue	This is healthy tissue with no indications of a disorder found alongside damaged or diseased tissue, typically fromresected material and cadaveric specimens.  Because normal, healthy tissue is not typically removed from healthy patients, researchers needing normal controls for their studies may consider whether NAT will meet the study criteria.
NBCCS	Nevoid Basal Cell Carcinoma Syndrome.	Multiple basal cell skin cancers and jaw cysts characterize this hereditary condition. It is also known as Gorlin syndrome.
NED	No Evidence of Disease.	No Evidence of Disease.
NHL	Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphom	This is a common cancer that originates in the lymphatic system, particularly the lymphocytes, a white blood cell.
NM	Nodular Melanoma	This is the most aggressive melanoma, characterized by its growth in depth rather than diameter. It often appears where no previous lesion existed.
NMSC	Non Melanoma Skin Cancer	This includes all skin cancers that are not melanomas. The most common types are basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma.
NPC	Nasopharyngeal Cancer	Cancer that affects the cells in the upper region of the pharynx.
Node-Negative Breast Cancer	Node-Negative Breast Cancer	Breast cancer that has not yet spread to the lymph nodes.
Node-Positive Breast Cancer	Node-Positive Breast Cancer	Breast cancer that has invaded the lymph nodes (usually the axillary nodes).
NSCLC	Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer	This is the most common category of lung cancer.

O

Term	Full Form	Description
OCT	Optimum Cutting Temperature.	A medium used to mount tissue for sectioning in a cryostat.
Oncology	Oncology	The analysis and treatment of cancer and tumors.
OS	Osteogenic Sarcoma	This is a bone cancer usually formed in the new bone tissue created during growth.

P

Term	Full Form	Description
Pathology	Pathology	1. Study of the essential nature of diseases and especially of the structural and functional changes produced by them. 2. Anatomic and physiological deviations from the normal that constitute disease or characterize a particular disease. 3. Treatise on or compilation of abnormalities.
Pathologic (or Histologic) Grade	Pathologic (or Histologic) Grade	The scoring of tumor cells to show how far they have evolved from a normal cell pattern. The lower the number, the closer the cells are to normal. Normal cells tend to grow and multiply slowly to form well-organized tissues made up of differentiated cells. Cancer cells are more “generic” (i.e., less differentiated into the specific cell type usually found in that tissue). G1: Well differentiated – low grade, tends to grow slowly G2: Moderately differentiated – Intermediate grade G3: Poorly differentiated – High grade G4: Undifferentiated – High grade, tends to be highly invasive.
Pathologic Stage	Pathologic Stage	This system follows the same 1-4 scoring scheme of pathologic grade, but instead uses the TNM score to indicate the stage of the cancer. The cancer stage is not concerned with cells at the cytological level, unlike pathologic grade, but focuses more on the prognosis for the patient and characteristics of the tumor(s). The pathologic stage system is used for most cancers except hematological and brain malignancies.
PBMC	Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells	This is a broad category that includes any peripheral blood cell that features a round nucleus.
PD	Parkinson’s Disease	This is a central nervous system disease that progressively affects movement.
PEG	Polyethylene glycol	This electrolyte-based solution is generally used to prepare the bowel before a gastrointestinal exam.
PLB	Primary Lymphoma of Bone	This is a rare form of bone cancer.
PMI	Post-Mortem Interval.	The time elapsed since a person’s death.
PNS	Peripheral Nervous System.	The system of nerves outside of the brain and spinal cord.
Polyp	Polyp	A fleshy, usually benign, tumor that grows from an organ’s mucous lining.
PR	Progesterone Receptor	A protein, found on cells, that progesterone molecules can attach to.
PSA	Prostate-Specific Antigen	A glycoprotein enzyme in the KLK3 gene. Elevated levels of this protein, produced exclusively by the prostate, may be observed in the blood of men who have prostate diseases, including cancer.

Q

Term	Full Form	Description
QA	Quality Assurance	Ensuring specimens and products meet established QC and SOP criteria.
QC	Quality Control	Established criteria and processes to ensure good quality.

R

Term	Full Form	Description
Radiation Therapy	Radiation Therapy	A form of cancer therapy that uses radiation to destroy cells at the site of the tumor.
RCC	Renal Cell Carcinoma	Cancer of the kidneys.
Recurrence	Recurrence	The reappearance of cancer post treatment.
Remnant Tissue	Remnant Tissue	Tissue remaining after a surgical procedure.
Resection	Resection	A surgical operation that removes cancerous tissue as well as normal adjacent tissue.
RIN	RNA Integrity Number.	A metric that estimates the extent of degradation of total RNA.
RMS	Rhabdomyosarcoma.	This is a rare cancer that affects skeletal muscle cells.

S

Term	Full Form	Description
Sarcoma	Sarcoma	A malignant tumor that arises from nonepithelial and connective tissue.
CSS	Squamous Cell Carcinoma.	Cancer that affects squamous cells in the body. SCC has many subtypes.
SCLC	Small Cell Lung Cancer.	This aggressive cancer is also known as oat cell cancer.
Secondary Score	Secondary Score	Any type of scoring system used for a particular type of cancer.
Sectional Planes	Sectional Planes	Reference planes to describe location. Sagittal (longitudinal, side), transverse (dorsal-ventral cross section), and coronal (longitudinal, frontal).
SOP	Standard Operating Procedure.	A formal, established process that guides operations and should be strictly followed to ensure compliance with company standards.
Synchronous Cancer	Synchronous Cancer	Two or more primary cancers present at the same time.
Syndrome	Syndrome	A group of symptoms and signs which identify a particular condition.

T

Term	Full Form	Description
Tamoxifen	Tamoxifen	An estrogen-receptor-positive breast cancer medication that acts as an estrogen inhibitor.
TCC	Transitional Cell Carcinoma.	A cancer affecting the urinary system, usually in the bladder.
TCP	Thrombocytopenia.	TCP is a condition in which one has a deficiency of blood platelets.
TKI	Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitor.	A class of anti-cacnert drugs. More information about TKI can be found at http://www.mesothelioma-aid.org/kinhibitors.htm.
TNM	Tumors, Nodes, and Metastasis	TNM Classification of Malignant Tumors. This is a system that uses descriptions of Tumors, Nodes, and Metastasis (TNM) to classify the extent of a cancer.
Tumor	Tumor	A benign or malignant mass of abnormal tissue.
Tumor Grade	Tumor Grade	A description of a tumor based on a comparison of the abnormal cells to normal cells of the same type.

U

Term	Full Form	Description
UC	Ulcerative colitis.	An inflammatory bowel disease that causes the formation of ulcers in the top layers of the large intestines’ inner lining.
UBC	Urinary Bladder Cancer.	Urinary Bladder Cancer.

V

W

Term	Full Form	Description
WBC	White Blood Cell count.	The number of white blood cells found in the body.
Wire Localization Biopsy	Wire Localization Biopsy	A breast cancer diagnoses method that is conducted when a mammogram displays abnormalities which cannot be felt.
WM	Waldenstrom’s Macroglobulinemia	This is a rare non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma in which the excess B-lymphocytes produce an antibody, immunoglobulins.

X

Y

Term	Full Form	Description
YST	Yolk Sac Tumor.	Also known as a germ cell tumor, this rare cancer affects the cells lining the embryo’s yolk sac, and is then usually seen in the ovaries, testes, or sacrococcygeal area.

Z

FAQs:

What is histopathology?

Histopathology is the study of tissues and cells at a microscopic level to diagnose diseases and understand their underlying causes.

What is an abbreviation?

An abbreviation is a shortened form of a word or phrase.

Why are abbreviations used in histopathology?

Abbreviations are used in histopathology to save time and space when documenting findings.

What are some common histopathology abbreviations?

Some common histopathology abbreviations include H&E (hematoxylin and eosin), IHC (immunohistochemistry), and FNA (fine needle aspiration).

What does H&E mean?

H&E stands for hematoxylin and eosin, which are dyes used to stain tissue samples for microscopic examination.

What is IHC?

IHC stands for immunohistochemistry, which is a technique used to detect specific proteins in tissue samples.

What is FNA?

FNA stands for fine needle aspiration, which is a procedure used to collect cells from a mass or lesion for microscopic examination.

What is a biopsy?

A biopsy is a procedure in which a small sample of tissue is removed for microscopic examination.

What is a pathologist?

A pathologist is a medical doctor who specializes in the study of disease at a microscopic level.

What is a diagnosis?

A diagnosis is the identification of a disease or condition based on its signs, symptoms, and laboratory findings.

What is a differential diagnosis?

A differential diagnosis is a list of possible diagnoses based on the patient’s signs, symptoms, and laboratory findings.

What is a specimen?

A specimen is a sample of tissue or other material collected for laboratory examination.

What is a stain?

A stain is a chemical that is used to color tissues and cells to make them more visible under the microscope.

What is a report?

A report is a document that summarizes the findings of a laboratory examination, including any diagnoses and recommendations for further testing or treatment.

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Possible References Used

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