Gross Pathology Descriptions

Describe generalized

Present in all parts of an organ, either affecting the organ entirely (diffuse), or with some remaining tissue (zonal, multifocal)

Describe diffuse

Uniform throughout the tissue

Differentiate generalized from diffuse

A diffuse lesion can be generalized if it affects the entire organ (ex. entire liver); diffuse lesions can also be localized if they affects all of one area of the organ (ex. entire middle lobe of the liver)

Differentiate focal from localized or locally extensive

All mean that they are a single lesion; focal is usually smaller than localized and locally extensive

Zonal is typically used to describe lesions

in the liver

Describe this distribution

Generalized diffuse

Describe this distribution

Localized diffuse; lobar

Describe this distribution

Focal

Describe this distribution

Generalized multifocal

Describe this distribution

Localized multifocal

Describe this distribution

Zonal

What is a segmental lesion

Impacts a segment or length of a tubular organ

What is the opposite of generalized

localized

what is the opposite of diffuse

multifocal

what is important when describing size and extent of multifocal lesions

minimum and maximum size, uniformity, number (if high, say innumerable)

list some common terms to describe the shape of a lesion

circular, rectangular, triangular, geographic, diamond, ovoid, elliptical, linear, serpentine

raised areas imply

inflammation, hyperplasia, neoplasia, edema, hyperemia, gas

depressed lesions imply

fibrosis, necrosis or atrophy

white lesions indicate

inflammation, neoplasia, necrosis, fibrosis, mineral deposition

yellow lesions indicate

inflammation (pus), fat, fibrin, bilirubin

green lesions indicate

bile pigment, eosinophilic inflammation, gangrene, fungal infection, hemosiderin, putrefaction

black lesions indicate

melanin, blood exposed to acid, necrosis, exogenous carbon

soft =

lips

firm =

nose

hard =

forehead

what are the 5 key descriptive terms

location/distribution, size/extent, shape/demarcation/contour, colour, texture/strength