tumefacció

Tumefacció is a medical term used to describe swelling or enlargement of a body part due to accumulation of fluid, cells, or tissue expansion. It can refer to a localized swelling resulting from inflammation, injury, infection, or obstruction, as well as to systemic forms such as edema. The term is used in clinical descriptions to convey both the presence and the physical characteristics of a swollen area.

Etymology and scope: The word derives from Latin roots related to swelling. In Catalan, tumefacció covers various degrees and causes of enlargement, from mild, transient swelling to more pronounced and persistent enlargements. It is commonly encountered in clinical notes across disciplines such as emergency medicine, surgery, dermatology, and internal medicine.

Causes and mechanisms: Local tumefacció often results from inflammatory edema, vascular leakage, or accumulation of pus or blood after injury or infection. Allergic reactions, trauma, or postoperative states can produce focal swelling. Systemic tumefacció, or edema, may occur due to heart, liver, or kidney disease, venous insufficiency, or lymphatic obstruction. Tumefacció can also reflect mass effects from tumors or hematomas.

Clinical presentation and diagnosis: Swelling is usually assessed by size, tenderness, warmth, redness, and stability of surrounding structures. Distinguishing features, such as pitting versus non-pitting edema, help narrow causes. Diagnosis may involve history, physical examination, laboratory tests, and imaging (ultrasound, radiography, MRI or CT) to identify infection, fluid collections, or underlying pathology.

Management and prognosis: Treatment targets the underlying cause and may include rest, elevation, compression, analgesia, anti-inflammatories, antibiotics for infection, or specific therapies for systemic edema. Prognosis varies with etiology and response to treatment.