Malignancy – aspects to consider in histopathological diagnosis

Abstract

The histopathological exam is the most important tool when formulating a diagnosis in tumoral diseases. When we consider the examination of a tumor, the prognosis of the disease often depends of the character of that neoplasia (benign or malignant). To properly evaluate the future behavior of a neoplasia means to carefully observe and characterize several specific features. An abnormal differentiation degree of the cells can sometimes determine the presence of abnormal, monstruous cells, with little homogeneity between tumoral cells and a high rate of anisocytosis, anisokaryosis, anisonucleoliosis, multiple nuclei and various types of indentations or expansions of the structures of the cells. The mitotic index is another factor to take into consideration. A high mitotic index will always indicate a malignancy, and if it is associated with abnormal mitotic figures, the severity of the disease is even worse. Along with a multitude of other factors that need to be evaluated when establishing a diagnosis, from a histopathological point of view, the two mentioned criteria are the ones that need the most attention.