What is anaplasia?

In Med school microblog 5 today I will explain what is Anaplasia.First you have to understand what is Differentiation?

So, Differentiation is the extent to which neoplastic cells resemble normal cells both morphologically and functionally.That means a tumor cell that has arisen from squamous epithelium, is it similar to a squamous cell or not.If it is not similar to the original cell,then it is called anaplastic.A well-differentiated tumor has mild degree of anaplasia but, a poorly differentiated tumor has highly anaplastic cells.

So, Anaplasia is " LACK OF DIFFERENTIATION"

But why we are so much bothered about " Anaplasia"?

Because Anaplasia is a HALLMARK of malignancy!!!!

For example, a well differentiated squamous cell carcinoma of the epidermis produce keratin and a well-differentiated hepatocellular carcinoma synthesize bile. So, cells having mild anaplasia can function partly like the cell of origin. On the contrary, a poorly differentiated tumor comprised of highly anaplastic cells can show new and unexpected functions.In case of bronchogenic carcinoma, cells may produce corticotropin, parathyroids like  hormone, insulin, glucagon, and other hormones giving rise to Paraneoplastic syndromes!!!!

Now, lets talk about the morphological features of Anaplasia.So, the features are:

1) Pleomorphism: It is variation in size and shape of cells.

2) Anisonucleosis: It is variation in size of nucleus.

3) Loss of polarity: It is disturbed orientation of cells.

4) Abnormal nuclear morphology like-

        - Hyperchromasia: Dark staining of the nuclear chromatin.

        - Clumping of chromatin along the nuclear membrane resulting in prominent appearing nucleoli.

        - Increased nucleocytoplasmic ratio: Normally it is 1:4 to 1:6, but in case of  anaplasia,  this  ratio becomes approximately 1:1.

5) Increased mitosis: Mitotic count increases with presence of abnormal, atypical, bizarre mitotic figures like tripolar, Quadripolar or multipolar mitotic figures noted.

6) Presence of tumor giant cells.

OKK....That's it  for now.For better understanding watch the following video and don't forget to LIKE, SHARE  and SUBSCRIBE!!!!