During the grossing of a specimen with desmoplasia, what should a pathologist expect to find?

When examining a specimen with desmoplasia, a pathologist should expect to find excess fibrous tissue. Desmoplasia is characterized by the proliferation of fibrous or connective tissue, typically in response to neoplastic processes such as tumors. This phenomenon occurs as the body reacts to abnormal growths, leading to a dense stroma rich in collagen and other extracellular matrix components.

In the context of neoplasms, especially malignant tumors, desmoplastic reactions can be seen forming a "desmoplastic stroma" surrounding the tumor. This is commonly observed in conditions such as pancreatic adenocarcinoma, where the desmoplastic stroma contributes to the firmness of the tumor and can complicate surgical resection.

The other aspects mentioned, such as decreased fibrous tissues, uniform cell types, and increased vascularity, do not accurately describe desmoplasia. While increased vascularity may accompany certain tumor types, it is not a defining feature of desmoplasia itself and could vary based on the tumor's characteristics and microenvironment.