Definition

1. Noun:
   • A tumor composed of granulation tissue: A granuloma is a small area of inflammation, forming a mass or nodule. It is made up of granulation tissue, which is new connective tissue and tiny blood vessels that form on the surfaces of a wound during healing. This structure typically results from the body's attempt to wall off substances it perceives as foreign but cannot eliminate, such as from certain infections, chronic inflammation, or injury.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The biopsy revealed a non-caseating granuloma, consistent with a diagnosis of sarcoidosis.
  • A common cause of a lung granuloma is a past infection with the fungus that causes valley fever.
  • The pathologist identified the lesion as a granuloma resulting from a chronic inflammatory response.

Advanced Usage

• "Granuloma annulare": A specific, benign skin condition characterized by raised, ring-shaped bumps, often on the hands and feet. While it shares the name, its exact cause is not always related to infection.

  • The dermatologist diagnosed the rash on her fingers as granuloma annulare.

• "Pyogenic granuloma": A common, benign vascular tumor of the skin or mucous membranes that often appears as a small, red, bleeding bump, typically following minor trauma.

  • The fast-growing red nodule on his gum was a pyogenic granuloma.

Variants and Related Words

• Granulomatous (adj): Relating to or characterized by the formation of granulomas.

  • The patient had a granulomatous disease affecting multiple organs.

• Granulation tissue (n phrase): The new connective tissue and microscopic blood vessels that form on the surfaces of a wound during the healing process, which is the primary component of a granuloma.

Synonyms

• Inflammatory nodule: A general term for a small, knot-like swelling caused by inflammation.
• Lesion: A broad term for any area of damaged or abnormal tissue, which can include a granuloma.

Related Terms and Phrases

• Foreign body granuloma: A type of granuloma that forms around a foreign substance the body cannot break down, like suture material or silica.

  • The granuloma formed around the tiny splinter was a classic foreign body reaction.

• Caseous granuloma: A granuloma with a central area of necrosis (dead tissue) that has a cheese-like appearance, characteristic of tuberculosis.

  • The presence of caseous granulomas in the lymph node confirmed the diagnosis of TB.

Noun

1. a tumor composed of granulation tissue resulting from injury or inflammation or infection