Anaplastinen

Anaplastinen is a descriptive term used in pathology to indicate marked dedifferentiation of tumor cells, meaning they have lost the specialized features and organized structure of the tissue of origin. The term is the Finnish form of the English word anaplastic.

In histology, anaplastic tumor cells often show significant cellular pleomorphism, enlarged and hyperchromatic nuclei, irregular nuclear contours, prominent and atypical mitotic figures, and a loss of normal cell polarity. The overall tissue architecture is disorganized, and areas of necrosis may be present. These features reflect a high degree of cellular instability and undifferentiation.

Clinically, the presence of anaplasia generally corresponds to a high-grade, more aggressive malignancy. Anaplastic changes are commonly associated with rapid growth, invasion, and poorer prognosis compared with tumors that retain a more differentiated appearance. However, the exact clinical behavior depends on the tumor type and its location.

Anaplasia is observed across many organ systems. Examples include anaplastic thyroid carcinoma and various anaplastic carcinomas in the breast, lung, and other tissues. In practice, “anaplastic” serves as a descriptive designation within a broader tumor classification and is used alongside other grading criteria to inform diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment planning.

Diagnosis relies on microscopic examination of tissue, often supplemented by immunohistochemical studies to determine lineage and differentiate from other high-grade neoplasms. Anaplastic features are typically integrated into pathology reports to guide clinical management.