Granuloma

Term: GranulomaDefinition: A small area of inflammation where immune cells cluster, often forming a nodule or mass in response to chronic inflammation or infection.Phonetic Pronunciation: (gran-yuh-LOH-muh)Origin: The term "granuloma" originates from the Latin word "granulum," meaning "small grain," and the Greek suffix "-oma," which denotes a tumor or mass. It reflects the appearance of these lesions, which resemble small grains when viewed under a microscope.Significance in Asbestos Context: Granulomas can form in the lungs of individuals exposed to asbestos, contributing to the development of asbestos-related diseases such as asbestosis. They are significant because they indicate the body's response to the presence of asbestos fibers, which can lead to further lung damage and complications.Example Sentence: The pathologist identified multiple granulomas in the lung tissue of the patient, indicating long-term exposure to asbestos.Related Terms: Asbestosis, Pulmonary fibrosis, Inflammation, Lung nodule, Chronic diseaseNotes: - Granulomas are not cancerous but can be associated with serious health conditions. - They can be mistaken for other types of lung lesions on imaging studies. - Treatment focuses on managing the underlying cause, such as removing the source of asbestos exposure.