granulomás

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 can include infectious agents like bacteria or fungi, foreign materials such as splinters, or even the body's own abnormal cells like cancer. The formation of a granuloma is a specific type of immune response, often seen in chronic inflammation.

The characteristic microscopic feature of a granuloma is the presence of epithelioid cells, which are activated macrophages that have taken on a somewhat elongated, epithelial-like appearance. These are often surrounded by lymphocytes and sometimes by giant cells, which are multinucleated macrophages formed by the fusion of several macrophages. The presence and specific type of granuloma can provide clues to the underlying cause.

Granulomas can occur in various organs throughout the body, including the skin, lungs, liver, and lymph nodes. Their clinical presentation depends heavily on their location and size. Some granulomas are asymptomatic and discovered incidentally on imaging or during surgery. Others can cause symptoms related to the organ they affect. For example, granulomas in the lungs can lead to coughing or shortness of breath.

Diagnosing the cause of a granuloma often involves a biopsy of the affected tissue, followed by microscopic examination and special stains or cultures to identify any infectious agents or foreign material. Treatment is directed at the underlying cause, which may involve antibiotics, antifungals, or immunosuppressive medications. In some cases, surgical removal might be considered.