Granulomák

Granulomas are small collections of inflammatory cells, primarily macrophages, that form when the immune system tries to wall off something it perceives as foreign or harmful. These microscopic structures are a common feature in various inflammatory and infectious diseases, as well as in some autoimmune conditions and in response to foreign materials. The development of a granuloma is a T-cell mediated immune response, where macrophages differentiate into epithelioid cells and fuse to form multinucleated giant cells.

The appearance of granulomas can vary depending on the underlying cause. In some cases, they may be non-caseating, meaning the central area of dying cells is firm. In other instances, such as in tuberculosis, the granulomas can be caseating, exhibiting a cheesy, necrotic center. The presence and type of granuloma can be a crucial diagnostic clue for pathologists.

Common conditions associated with granuloma formation include tuberculosis, sarcoidosis, Crohn's disease, fungal infections, and reactions to foreign bodies like sutures or silica. The symptoms experienced by an individual depend entirely on the location and extent of the granulomatous inflammation, affecting organs like the lungs, skin, lymph nodes, or liver. Diagnosis often involves a biopsy of the affected tissue to examine the granulomas microscopically and identify the underlying cause through further testing. Treatment strategies are directed at the specific disease process causing the granuloma formation.