Coagulative necrosis refers to a specific appearance that necrosis can have. It is defined by dead cells that sustain their shape for several days after the cells have died, and is the usual appearance of most necrosis. The other appearance pattern of necrosis is called liquefactive necrosis (colliquative necrosis). It refers to dead tissues that decompose into a viscous liquid, sometimes appearing as a creamy yellow due to pus forming.