The correct spelling of the medical term "granuloma trichophyticum" may seem daunting, but it follows a logical pronunciation pattern. The first part, "granuloma," is pronounced [ɡrænjʊˈloʊmə] and refers to a small, benign mass of immune cells. The second part, "trichophyticum," is pronounced [trɪkəˈfɪtɪkəm] and relates to fungal infections of the hair shaft. Thus, "granuloma trichophyticum" describes a localized immune response to a fungal infection in the hair follicles. While its spelling may be challenging, the phonetic transcription helps to make it more approachable.
Granuloma trichophyticum is a medical term used to describe a specific type of inflammatory response that occurs in the skin when it is infected by the dermatophyte fungus Trichophyton. It is commonly associated with fungal infections that cause ringworm, also known as tinea infections.
A granuloma is a small, localized area of inflammation characterized by the presence of immune cells, such as macrophages and lymphocytes, that aggregate together in response to an infection or foreign material. Trichophyticum refers to the infection caused by the Trichophyton fungus, which is known to invade and affect the hair, skin, and nails.
When this type of granuloma occurs, it typically presents as a nodule or a reddish bump that is often painful. The nodule contains a center of necrotic tissue or infected hair shafts, and is surrounded by a fibrous capsule composed of immune cells and connective tissue.
Granuloma trichophyticum primarily affects individuals with a weakened immune system, such as those with an HIV infection or those who have received immunosuppressive therapy. It can also be seen in patients with normal immune function if they have a severe and chronic fungal infection.
Treatment for granuloma trichophyticum involves addressing the underlying fungal infection using antifungal medications, such as topical or oral antifungal drugs. In some cases, surgical removal of the granuloma may be necessary if it persists or causes significant discomfort.
Inflammatory ringworm of the body, attended with edema and dilated follicles discharging pus.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The word "granuloma trichophyticum" is a medical term, specifically related to a fungal infection of the hair shaft.
The etymology of the term can be broken down as follows:
1. Granuloma: This word comes from the Latin word "granulum", meaning "small grain". In medical terminology, a granuloma refers to a mass or inflammation consisting of immune cells, such as macrophages.
2. Trichophyticum: This term is derived from two Greek roots:
- "Tricho" comes from the Greek word "thrix", meaning "hair". It is often used in medical terms related to hair.
- "Phyticus" is derived from the Greek word "phyton", meaning "plant" or "fungus".