Dictionary

granuloma tropicum See yaws.

granuloma annulare A benign, chronic skin condition characterized by raised, reddish bumps arranged in a circular or ring pattern. Usually, there are no other symptoms. Granuloma annulare is most common in children, predominantly girls. Its cause is unknown. Granuloma annulare typically disappears on its own within several years. Treatment is generally unnecessary except for cosmetic…

granuloma, swimming pool See granuloma, fishbowl.

granuloma, fishbowl Localized nodular skin inflammation (small, reddish, raised areas of skin) that is caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium marinum (M. marinum). Fishbowl granuloma is typically acquired by occupational or recreational exposure to salt or fresh water; often it is the result of scratches or scrapes of the skin during the care of aquariums. The…

granuloma, calcified A granuloma that contains calcium deposits. Because it usually takes time for calcium to be deposited in a granuloma, a calcified granuloma is generally assumed to be an old granuloma.

granuloma One of several forms of localized, nodular inflammation found in tissues. Granulomas have a typical pattern when examined under a microscope. They can be caused by a variety of biologic, chemical, and physical irritants of tissue. See also granuloma, calcified; granuloma, fishbowl.

granulocytosis An elevated number of granulocytes in the peripheral blood. The term is often used to refer to an increase in the number of neutrophils, the predominant type of granulocyte. Granulocytosis may be a sign of numerous abnormal conditions, including infection or cancer. See also granulocyte.

granulocytopenia A marked decrease in the number of granulocytes that results in frequent chronic bacterial infections of the skin, lungs, throat, and other tissues. Granulocytopenia can be inherited, or it can be acquired. For example, it may be acquired as an aspect of leukemia. Granulocytopenia can more specifically be neutropenia (shortage of neutrophils), eosinopenia (shortage…

granulocyte A type of white blood cell that is filled with microscopic granules, little sacs containing enzymes that digest microorganisms. Granulocytes are part of the innate immune system, and they have somewhat nonspecific, broad-based activity. They do not respond exclusively to specific antigens, as do B-cells and T-cells. Neutrophils, eosinophils, and basophils are all types…

granulation That part of the healing process in which lumpy, pink tissue containing new connective tissue and capillaries forms around the edges of a wound. Granulation of a wound is normal and desirable.

granular cell tumor A typically benign, uncommon tumor characterized by the presence of cells with a striking granularity of the cytoplasm when viewed under the microscope. The tumors are derived from neural cells, and the granularity of the cytoplasm is due to the accumulation of secondary lysosomes. Granular cell tumors are generally slowgrowing, solitary, painless…

grand mal seizure See seizure, tonic-clonic.