granuloma
Quick Summary
A granuloma is a mass of chronically inflamed tissue, typically associated with an infection. This inflammation is a defense mechanism to protect the body from injury or infection.12
In some cases, like chronic granulomatous disease, a genetic defect prevents certain white blood cells (phagocytes) from destroying invading microorganisms. This can lead to the formation of granulomas, which are not cancerous but can obstruct bodily functions. Eosinophilic granuloma is another type, characterized by granulomas with eosinophil cells, and its cause is unknown, though it's more common in smokers.34
Ask Britannica AI about this topic
Britannica doesn't have a full article on this topic, so we've curated a list of our relevant coverage.
immune system disorderTuberculin-type hypersensitivity…this sort is termed a granuloma. Immunity to a number of other diseases (for example, leprosy, leishmaniasis, coccidiosis, and brucellosis) also can be gauged by the presence or absence of a delayed reaction to a test injection of the appropriate antigen. In all these cases, the test antigen provokes only…
Read More…this sort is termed a granuloma. Immunity to a number of other diseases (for example, leprosy, leishmaniasis, coccidiosis, and brucellosis) also can be gauged by the presence or absence of a delayed reaction to a test injection of the appropriate antigen. In all these cases, the test antigen provokes only…
Read More
inflammationChronic inflammation…marked by the formation of granulomas, which are small collections of modified macrophages called epithelioid cells and are usually surrounded by lymphocytes. Granulomas often contain giant, or Langhans, cells that form from the coalescence of epithelioid cells. A classic example of granulomatous inflammation is tuberculosis, and the granulomas formed are…
Read More…marked by the formation of granulomas, which are small collections of modified macrophages called epithelioid cells and are usually surrounded by lymphocytes. Granulomas often contain giant, or Langhans, cells that form from the coalescence of epithelioid cells. A classic example of granulomatous inflammation is tuberculosis, and the granulomas formed are…
Read More