Desmoplasia

Desmoplasia is a term used in pathology to refer to the growth of fibrous or connective tissue. It is often seen in response to injury, inflammation, or in the stroma of cancers. The term is derived from the Greek words "desmos" (bond) and "plasis" (formation).

Overview[edit | edit source]

Desmoplasia can be seen in various pathological conditions. It is a characteristic feature of many types of tumor, particularly carcinomas. In this context, it is often referred to as "desmoplastic reaction" and is believed to be caused by the release of growth factors by the tumor cells. This reaction can have both positive and negative effects on the progression of the tumor.

Clinical Significance[edit | edit source]

Desmoplasia has significant implications in the clinical setting. It can affect the behavior of tumors, their response to treatment, and the prognosis of the patient. For example, in pancreatic cancer, a dense desmoplastic stroma is often associated with a poor prognosis. The desmoplastic reaction can also interfere with the delivery of chemotherapy drugs to the tumor, reducing their effectiveness.

Histopathology[edit | edit source]

Under the microscope, desmoplasia appears as a dense, collagen-rich stroma surrounding the tumor cells. It can be identified by its pink, fibrous appearance on H&E-stained sections. Special stains, such as Masson's trichrome, can be used to highlight the collagen fibers.

Treatment and Research[edit | edit source]

Research is ongoing to develop treatments that can target the desmoplastic stroma of tumors. This could potentially improve the delivery of chemotherapy drugs and enhance their effectiveness. Some studies have also suggested that targeting the desmoplastic reaction could help to slow the growth of the tumor.

File:Desmoplasia.jpg

Desmoplasia in a carcinoma, H&E stain