intraepiteliális

Intraepithelial refers to something located within or on the epithelium. The epithelium is a type of tissue that lines the surfaces of the body, both externally (like the skin) and internally (like the lining of organs, blood vessels, and glands). This tissue acts as a barrier, protecting underlying structures and often playing roles in absorption, secretion, and sensation.

When a process or lesion is described as intraepithelial, it means it is confined to the epithelial layer and has not yet invaded the deeper connective tissues, known as the stroma. This distinction is crucial in pathology and medicine, as intraepithelial conditions are often considered pre-cancerous or early-stage and may have a better prognosis than invasive diseases.

Examples of intraepithelial conditions include intraepithelial neoplasia, which is an abnormal proliferation of cells within the epithelium that has the potential to become cancerous. Another example is intraepithelial carcinoma, which is a carcinoma that is confined to the epithelium. The precise location and characteristics of the intraepithelial process are often specified, such as intraepithelial squamous cell carcinoma or intraepithelial glandular neoplasia, to provide a more detailed diagnosis. Understanding whether a condition is intraepithelial is a key factor in determining the appropriate treatment and predicting outcomes.