Top 10 Commonly Confused Words in Histopathology

Top 10 Commonly Confused Words in Histopathology 1. Benign vs. Malignant Benign and malignant are often used when describing tumors. Benign tumors are non-cancerous, while malignant tumors are cancerous. It's crucial to differentiate between the two for accurate diagnosis and treatment planning. 2. Inflammation vs. Infection Inflammation and infection both involve the body's response to an irritant. However, inflammation is a general response, while infection specifically refers to the presence of harmful microorganisms. Understanding this distinction aids in appropriate treatment. 3. Hyperplasia vs. Hypertrophy Hyperplasia and hypertrophy both involve an increase in cell size. However, hyperplasia is an increase in cell number, while hypertrophy is an increase in cell size. Differentiating between the two is crucial for accurate diagnosis. 4. Dysplasia vs. Metaplasia Dysplasia and metaplasia are both abnormal changes in cell appearance. Dysplasia refers to disordered growth, while metaplasia is the transformation of one cell type into another. Recognizing these differences is essential for proper evaluation. 5. Sensitivity vs. Specificity