Biopsy terminology

  I will be having another liver biopsy in May and in looking at the results of my last one, I am confused by some of ther terminology.  Since I always like to compare my own labs, I was hoping for some help.  The report notes that there is moderate inflammamatory infilitrate around the portal tracts with areas of piecemeal necfrosis and extension of the inflammatory cells into the surrounding liver tissue.  It then define the inflammatory infiltrate as mostly lymphoid cells and some scattered plasma cells and an occasional polymorphonuclear leukocyte.  I am totally clueless as the the significance or difference of these cell types.  It also says the areas around the portal tracts show increase fibrosis.  Now fibrosis is scarring, but not cirrhosis?  Another part I don't understand is that some of the hepatocytes (another type of cell?) show suggestion of ballooning and reactive change?    Then there is a comment that trichrome and reticulum stains confirm the presence of increased fibrosis in theses ares forming some areas of fibrous sept whithout definite cirrhotic nodules identified.  What is fibrous septa?  If you could help me with these terms, I would really appreciate it.  Then perhaps when I read the next one, I can have a clearer understanding of what changes might be more significant than others.  And of course, as you always note, I will ask my doctor.  I just like to think about things myself as well.  Thanks for any help you can provide.  Dianne

[HFHSM.D.-D.M.]

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Dear Dianne:
I can certainly appreciate how confusing a biopsy report can be.  I spent many years as a hepatologist (liver specialist) before I felt comfortable knowing what a biopsy means for different liver diseases.  I