Which of the following best describes the significance of cellular differentiation when assessing neoplasms under the microscope?
Show answer and explanation
Correct answer: Well-differentiated tumors are less aggressive, while poorly differentiated ones show more atypia and aggression
Differentiation reflects how much tumor cells resemble their normal tissue of origin; well-differentiated tumors tend to grow slower and be less aggressive, whereas poorly differentiated tumors often exhibit marked atypia, aggressive behavior, and worse prognosis.
Keep practicing
More Histopathology basics questions
- Which histological change is most consistent with early neoplastic transformation in an epithelial tissue biopsy?
- Which of the following descriptions correctly defines the role of (H&E) in routine histopathology?
- Which of the following is considered a special histological stain used to identify mucin or glycoprotein in tissue sections?
- In the context of histopathology, what does the term “basophilic” (or basophilia) refer to when describing cell components?
- Which of the following best describes Metaplasia in tissue pathology?
- How does Dysplasia differ from metaplasia in histologic terms?