Nuclear moulding

Nuclear moulding is a term used in pathology to describe the alteration of the shape of a nucleus due to pressure exerted by adjacent nuclei. This phenomenon is often observed in certain types of cancer, such as carcinomas, and is considered a diagnostic feature in some cases.

Overview

Nuclear moulding is a characteristic feature of certain types of neoplasia, particularly those of epithelial origin. It is often observed in adenocarcinomas and squamous cell carcinomas, among others. The phenomenon is thought to occur due to the high cell density within these tumors, which results in physical pressure being exerted on the nuclei of individual cells.

Clinical significance

The presence of nuclear moulding can be a useful diagnostic feature in the evaluation of suspected neoplasms. It is often used in conjunction with other morphological features, such as nuclear atypia and mitotic activity, to aid in the diagnosis of malignancy. However, it is not specific to cancer and can also be observed in certain benign conditions, such as proliferative breast disease.

See also

• Cell nucleus
• Carcinoma
• Pathology

References

Nuclear moulding Resources
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