Rauhassoluun

Rauhassoluun is a Finnish term that translates to "granuloma" in English. A granuloma is a microscopic collection of macrophages, which are a type of white blood cell, surrounded by lymphocytes. These structures form in response to chronic inflammation, particularly when the body encounters persistent irritants such as certain bacteria, fungi, or foreign materials that it cannot easily eliminate. The granuloma serves as a cellular barrier, attempting to wall off the offending agent and prevent its spread.

The formation of a granuloma is a complex immune response. Macrophages within the granuloma can transform into epithelioid cells, which are larger and have a more abundant cytoplasm, or fuse together to form multinucleated giant cells. These cellular changes are indicative of a prolonged inflammatory process.

Granulomas can be found in various organs and tissues throughout the body. Their presence is often a key diagnostic feature for a number of diseases. For example, tuberculosis is characterized by the formation of caseating granulomas in the lungs. Sarcoidosis is another condition where non-caseating granulomas are a hallmark, affecting multiple organs including the lungs, skin, and eyes. Other conditions that can lead to granuloma formation include Crohn's disease, certain infections, and reactions to foreign bodies. Histopathological examination of tissue biopsies is typically used to identify and characterize granulomas, aiding in the diagnosis of the underlying cause.