Foreign body granulomas refer to a type of inflammatory response that occurs in the body when a foreign substance enters and remains within the tissues for an extended period. These granulomas typically develop in response to foreign body reactions, where the body's immune system tries to isolate and eliminate the foreign material to protect the surrounding tissues.
The term granuloma refers to the formation of small, compact masses of immune cells known as macrophages. These macrophages are responsible for engulfing and attempting to break down the foreign substance. However, in the case of foreign body granulomas, the foreign material cannot be completely eradicated or eliminated, leading to a chronic inflammatory reaction.
Foreign body granulomas can arise from a wide range of factors, including environmental pollutants, surgical implants, medical devices, or even small fragments of materials like glass, metal, or plastic that have become embedded within the body tissues. Symptoms associated with foreign body granulomas may vary depending on the location and size of the granuloma, but commonly include pain, swelling, redness, and the formation of a palpable lump.
To diagnose foreign body granulomas, doctors may perform imaging tests such as X-rays, ultrasounds, or MRIs to locate the foreign body and assess the extent of the granulomatous response. Treatment typically involves surgical removal of the foreign object, although medications such as corticosteroids or immunosuppressants may be prescribed to alleviate the inflammatory process. In some cases, foreign body granulomas may spontaneously resolve without intervention.
