Definition

1. Noun:
   • Loss of structural differentiation within a cell or group of cells, often with increased capacity for multiplication, as in a malignant tumor: Anaplasia refers to a condition where cells lose their mature, specialized features and organization, reverting to a more primitive, undifferentiated state. This is a hallmark of high-grade malignancy in tumors.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The biopsy revealed significant anaplasia, indicating a highly aggressive cancer.
  • Histological examination showed cellular anaplasia, with nuclei of varying sizes and shapes.

Advanced Usage

• "Degree of anaplasia": Used to describe the extent to which cells have lost differentiation, which is often graded to assess the severity of a tumor.
  • The tumor's prognosis was poor due to the high degree of anaplasia.
• "Cellular anaplasia": Specifically emphasizes the abnormal changes in individual cells.
  • The pathologist noted marked cellular anaplasia in the tissue sample.

Variants and Related Words

• Anaplastic (adj): Describing cells or tumors exhibiting anaplasia.
  • The diagnosis was anaplastic carcinoma, a very fast-growing cancer.

Synonyms

• Dedifferentiation: The process by which cells lose their specialized structure and function.
• Cellular atypia: A general term for cells that appear abnormal, which can include features of anaplasia.

Antonyms

• Differentiation: The process by which cells become specialized in structure and function.
• Maturation: The process of reaching a fully developed, specialized state.

Noun

1. loss of structural differentiation within a cell or group of cells often with increased capacity for multiplication, as in a malignant tumor