granuloma

(gran″yŭ-lō′mă)

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(gran″yŭ-lō′măt-ă)
pl. granulomas pl. granulomata [granulo- + -oma]
An inflammatory response that results when macrophages are unable to destroy foreign substances that have entered or invaded body tissues. Large numbers of macrophages are drawn to the affected area over 7 to 10 days, surround the target, and enclose it. They in turn are surrounded by polymorphonuclear leukocytes, other immune cells, and fibroblasts. Granulomas are common in many conditions, including leprosy, tuberculosis, cat scratch disease, some fungal infections, and foreign body reactions, e.g., reactions to sutures.
granulomatous (gran″yŭ-lō′mă-tŭs)
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, adj.
SEE: giant cell; SEE: tuberculosis; SEE: Wegener granulomatosis

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