write a note on granuloma and write down 3 causes of granuloma in details
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Granuloma — Detailed Note
Definition
A granuloma is a small, organized collection of macrophages (epithelioid cells) formed during chronic inflammation. It develops when the body is unable to remove a persistent infection, foreign material, or other harmful substance.
Formation of Granuloma
When a harmful substance remains in the body for a long time:
- Macrophages gather around the substance.
- Macrophages become larger and are called epithelioid cells.
- Some macrophages join together to form multinucleated giant cells.
- Lymphocytes surround these cells.
- Sometimes, the center develops necrosis (dead tissue).
Main Features
- Collection of epithelioid macrophages
- Presence of multinucleated giant cells
- Surrounding lymphocytes
- Usually associated with chronic inflammation
- May be caseating or non-caseating
3 Causes of Granuloma
1. Tuberculosis (TB)
- Caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis.
- It commonly produces caseating granulomas.
- The center of the granuloma contains caseous necrosis, which looks like soft, cheese-like material.
- Commonly affects the lungs, but can affect other organs.
2. Leprosy
- Caused by Mycobacterium leprae.
- It produces granulomatous inflammation, especially in the skin and peripheral nerves.
- Granulomas form as the immune system attempts to control the bacteria.
- It may cause skin lesions and nerve damage.
3. Fungal infections
- Some fungi, such as Histoplasma, can produce granulomas.
- The immune system forms granulomas to contain the fungal organisms.
- They commonly involve the lungs and may resemble tuberculosis.
