Pleomorphic

Pleomorphic refers to the ability of certain cells or viruses to alter their shape or size in response to specific conditions. This term is often used in the field of microbiology, pathology, and oncology to describe the variable appearance of cells, especially cancer cells.

Overview

Pleomorphism is a common feature of malignant cells, including breast cancer and melanoma. It is one of the factors used in the grading of cancer severity. In microbiology, pleomorphic bacteria can change their shape and size in response to environmental conditions. This can have significant implications for their survival and pathogenicity.

In Pathology

In pathology, pleomorphism refers to variations in the size, shape, and staining of cells and/or their nuclei. This is often an indication of malignancy. For example, in breast cancer, a high degree of pleomorphism is associated with a more aggressive tumor and a worse prognosis.

In Microbiology

In microbiology, pleomorphism is the ability of some microorganisms to alter their shape or size in response to environmental conditions. This is seen in several bacterial species, including Helicobacter pylori and Mycoplasma pneumoniae. Pleomorphism can provide a survival advantage by allowing the organism to adapt to changing environments.

In Oncology

In oncology, pleomorphism is a term used to describe cancer cells that vary in size, shape, and appearance. This is due to genetic instability, a hallmark of cancer, which leads to a high degree of variability in the phenotype of cancer cells. Pleomorphism is one of the factors used in the grading of tumors, with a higher degree of pleomorphism associated with a more aggressive tumor and a worse prognosis.

See Also

• Anaplasia
• Dysplasia
• Neoplasia

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