Hyperchromasia
Hyperchromasia is a term used in pathology to describe an increase in the staining intensity of a cell or tissue, often indicating a pathological condition. It is often seen in cancer cells, where the increased DNA content results in a darker staining pattern.
Overview[edit | edit source]
Hyperchromasia is a characteristic feature of malignant cells, which often have an increased amount of DNA due to uncontrolled cell division. This results in a darker staining pattern when viewed under a microscope. Hyperchromasia can be seen in a variety of cancers, including breast cancer, prostate cancer, and lung cancer.
Causes[edit | edit source]
The primary cause of hyperchromasia is an increase in the DNA content of a cell. This can occur due to a variety of reasons, including:
- Uncontrolled cell division, as seen in cancer
- Genetic mutations that result in an increase in DNA content
- Certain infections, such as HPV, which can cause an increase in DNA content
Diagnosis[edit | edit source]
Hyperchromasia is typically diagnosed through microscopic examination of a tissue sample. The sample is stained with a dye that binds to DNA, and the intensity of the staining is then assessed. A darker staining pattern indicates hyperchromasia.
Treatment[edit | edit source]
Treatment for hyperchromasia typically involves addressing the underlying cause of the increased DNA content. This may involve:
- Treatment for cancer, such as chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or surgery
- Treatment for infections, such as antiviral medications for HPV
- Genetic counseling and potential treatment for genetic mutations
See also[edit | edit source]
Hyperchromasia Resources | ||
---|---|---|
|
|
Navigation: Wellness - Encyclopedia - Health topics - Disease Index - Drugs - World Directory - Gray's Anatomy - Keto diet - Recipes
Search WikiMD
Ad.Tired of being Overweight? Try W8MD's physician weight loss program.
Semaglutide (Ozempic / Wegovy and Tirzepatide (Mounjaro / Zepbound) available.
Advertise on WikiMD
WikiMD is not a substitute for professional medical advice. See full disclaimer.
Credits:Most images are courtesy of Wikimedia commons, and templates Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY SA or similar.Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD