What is an example of a histological feature associated with tumor anaplasia?

Anaplasia refers to a loss of differentiation in cancer cells, where the cells become more primitive in appearance and behavior. One of the hallmark histological features associated with anaplasia is pleomorphism. This term describes the variability in the size and shape of tumor cells, which reflects the loss of the normal structure and function associated with differentiated cells. In anaplastic tumors, you typically observe a wide range of cell morphology, indicating a significant deviation from normal tissue architecture.

Pleomorphism is significant because it illustrates how tumor cells are undergoing changes that contribute to their malignancy. These cells may exhibit irregular nuclear shapes, sizes, and unusual mitotic figures, reinforcing the notion that they are no longer under normal regulatory mechanisms. Thus, the presence of pleomorphism assists pathologists in identifying tumor aggressiveness and potential behavior of the cancer.

In contrast, normal mitotic figures and uniform cell size suggest a more orderly and differentiated state, which is contrary to the characteristics of anaplasia. Localized growth also indicates a less aggressive nature of tumors, whereas anaplastic tumors are typically associated with invasive and widespread growth patterns.