Term: Epithelioid
Definition: Epithelioid refers to cells that resemble epithelial cells in shape and appearance, typically being polygonal with a round or oval nucleus. These cells are often seen in certain types of tumors and inflammatory conditions.
Phonetic Pronunciation: (ep-uh-THEE-lee-oid)
Etymological Origin: The term originates from the Greek word epithelium (epi-, meaning "upon," and thele, meaning "nipple" or "surface") combined with the suffix -oid, meaning "resembling" or "like." It was first used in histology to describe cells that mimic the appearance of epithelial cells.
Significance in Asbestos Context: Epithelioid cells are significant in the context of asbestos because they are one of the cell types found in mesothelioma, a cancer strongly associated with asbestos exposure. Epithelioid mesothelioma is the most common and generally the least aggressive subtype of mesothelioma, making its identification crucial for diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment planning. The presence of epithelioid cells in biopsy samples can help pathologists confirm a diagnosis of mesothelioma and differentiate it from other cancers.
Synonyms or Related Terms: Epithelial-like, epithelioid mesothelioma (specific subtype), polygonal cells.
Example Sentence: "The biopsy revealed epithelioid cells, leading to a diagnosis of epithelioid mesothelioma, which is often linked to prolonged asbestos exposure."
Common Misconceptions:
