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What is Granuloma?

Shannon Kietzman
Shannon Kietzman

A granuloma is a medical condition characterized by a noncancerous inflammation in the tissue. Typically, it encompasses only a small part of the tissue, and a person with one usually does not experience any signs or symptoms. In fact, most are found through an x-ray that is performed for unrelated reasons. When found during an x-ray examination, the granuloma is often mistaken for cancer.

The majority of granulomas are the result of an injury to the tissue, particularly as the result of infection. They can occur in the lungs, and their most common cause there is a fungal infection called histoplasmosis. Other conditions associated with granuloma formation include berylliosis, syphilis, sarcoidosis, Crohn’s disease, tuberculosis, Churg-Strauss syndrome, and Wegener’s granulomatosis.

A doctor looking at potential granulomas on an X-ray.
A doctor looking at potential granulomas on an X-ray.

The granuloma that forms as the result of these conditions is generally a calcified granuloma. This type contains deposits of calcium and usually takes time to develop, which means that most have been present in the body for a very long time before they are identified.

Another form is the granuloma inguinale, which is a bacterial infection of the genital area. It's caused by a bacteria called Calymmatobacterium granulomatis, and mostly affects individuals living in tropical and subtropical regions, such as Guyana, Southeast India, and New Guinea. In addition, this sexually transmitted bacteria affects men more often than women, particularly homosexual males. An individual with this disease develops blisters or lumps in the genital region, which ultimately become open sores.

One form of granuloma called granuloma inguinale mostly affects those in tropical and sub-tropical regions, such as Guyana in South America.
One form of granuloma called granuloma inguinale mostly affects those in tropical and sub-tropical regions, such as Guyana in South America.

It is essential for granuloma inguinale to be treated right away, as it can cause a great deal of damage to the genitals and can spread to other areas of the body. In order to treat the condition, it is generally necessary to take antibiotics and to allow the area to heal for three to five weeks. In addition, a person who becomes infected is capable of catching the bacteria again at a later time.

Discussion Comments

anon951533

I got my X-ray result and it says left apex granuloma. What can I do to clear my lungs? Please help me.

anon936299

I just had my chest x-ray yesterday and it says that in outer right mid of my lung has hazed density, rule out nodule with calcification possibly PTB granuloma. I always have annual medical check ups and it is always clear. So I wonder why I have this PTB granuloma, where in fact, I never had PTB. I have measles right now and I'm thinking that maybe the hazed density finding in my right lung is quite related to this viral infection. Thank you. I hope to read a post from you.

anon356380

A dental granuloma is a mass of inflamed tissue like a cyst. I had a dental granuloma that was hidden for two years it was making me so sick flu like, shortness of breath, heart palpitations, weight loss dry eyes nausea, and rash and sinus issues. It was unreal.

I was going to go to the Mayo Clinic. In my case, the granuloma was hidden infection attached to the apex of my tooth. My dentist is the greatest guy. He did two validity tests and 15 were infected. He referred me to an endodonist for a root canal. After reading Weston Prices/Menig work, we are not supporters of a root canal, and I got a quick second opinion from an oral pathologist and maxillofacial oral surgeon to get the statistics on someone as compromised as I was getting a root canal versus an extraction versus an implant. The next day I had an extraction and am booked for ozone injections into the dental granuloma site We wanted to be 101 percent healed. the ozone is just a secondary precaution.

anon326976

I would like to find out about granulomas in dogs.

anon319781

I just had a chest X-ray for TB clearance. I had TB when I was a kid, and I need to do a chest X-ray to get cleared. So, they said the lungs are clear on the frontal view, but I have a 5 mm diameter nodular density overlying the mid-thoracic spine on the lateral view. Is this a possible granuloma? I think it's highly unlikely on the spine. I need to go back in six months for another X-ray to see if it has grown. I'm kind of bummed out about it.

anon300658

I have received a medical report on my wife and the report says she has a Subcentimetric Calcified Granuloma in the tight mid zone and crowding of posterior ends of left upper ribs, likely positional. Kindly confirm something about this illness.

anon276308

My mother, 82 years old, is still in the hospital and the result of a chest X-Ray is that there is a granuloma in her lung. She's been having low grade temperature and has been given an IV antibiotic. She travels every two years abroad. Please help.

anon196295

I had an x-ray in July, and they found out that I have a granumola in my right lung. But before this, I had my chest x-ray just this past January, but it was clear. So how come it happened? I'm applying for a job abroad. They found me completely unfit to work. How can I treat this disease?

Sunjida

My mother has been suffering from calcified granuloma in the brain the the last seven years. Please suggest any medicine. Please suggest because my mom is feeling too much pain in her brain.

anon168072

I had a ptb four or five years ago. I've been treated and after i had an x ray taken the scar was gone and my lung was clear again. But by this time, i had applied for as a waitress, and i was shocked when i came to know that they found something i my right upper part of lung and the interpretation is i have a granuloma. Is it curable? is there any chance that it can be treated and the scar will go away? please advise me. thanks.

anon163226

My recent x-ray shows right apex granuloma. Please help me know how to clear my lungs. Thank you.

anon153929

my chest x-ray result right upper lobe granuloma.

Is there any way or treatment to clear my lungs. And to make this granuloma gone? Please help me on this problem. I really need an advise. Thanks,

andy0123

I am applying for overseas work to Dubai. But recently, my X-ray finding was left granuloma. is there any treatment for granuloma to clear up my lungs? and to pass for my medical examination. Please kindly help me,and advise me what is necessary to solve my problem.

anon134753

i have a granuloma finding on my x-ray result. is there any possibility that i can go abroad? Please advise.

anon117399

reading all these comments have encouraged me to learn this and be a good physician. many unfortunate and sick people make me feel so sad and give me new spirit. thanks. keep fighting with your disease and don't ever give up. one day, i hope i can help those people as best as i can.

anon100576

i have had a chest x ray from aga khan university hospital pakistan. it shows 'few old calcified granuloma in lungs" so i don't know about it. what's this? is it curable? please help me. i am really in stress.

anon87331

I'm 11 years old and i had have granuloma since I was a baby. How can i get make it go away? i get it in the summer and spring on my elbow, ear and one of my fingers.

taurus80

At the age of 30, i have a granuloma on the right middle lung field.Why did it happen to me? My last X-ray almost five years ago, didn't see it. Is this curable or not? Please help me in this situation. I had plan to work in another country.

What's the possibility of having this kind of disease? Thanks for the concern. -taurus80

anon81763

i do have granuloma on the right lower part of my lung. I am applying as a nurse to saudi arabia. Can i pass the medical examination? Please help me.

anon69502

i had my latest x ray result and i also had a lordotic view done. the result stated that it had ruled out granuloma in the right upper lung. i'm applying now in taiwan. can i pass the medical exam? it's not PTB. Please help me! thanks

anon57179

re: cactus granuloma. After a cactus injury, a granuloma has formed. When the injury heals, will the granuloma disappear? How do you treat this type granuloma?

anon54889

what will i do about my result for my x-ray that i have tiny calcific density, left upper lung, granuloma. what does that mean? what treatment must i have?

anon50625

My latest x-ray report stated that suspicious tiny nodule calcified density apex cann right granuloma. i have applied for work abroad and i failed the medical examination. what i can do to get rid of the granuloma and to pass the medical examination? Please help me --Emma D.

kifayat

i'm kifayat and i'm suffering from a granuloma in my large intestine. The doctors said that it's incurable. can someone inform me if it is curable or not. Is it dangerous for my life? What kind of medicines or treatments can be taken to cure it? Please help guys.

anon45258

i am ajay. i am suffering with a granuloma in my brain for for five years. it is taking a long time to cure. what is the best medicine?

anon42673

i have been having some pains under my ribs and just above my stomach on my left. so i had an ultrasound done and everything came back clear except my spleen. it showed up numerous calcific foci are present within my spleen and these would almost certainly be granulomata, and that there are no suspicious features, but it is uncomfortable. it has been for over a month now and i really just want to get rid of it. i have seen the doctor and he says everything is fine and there is nothing to worry about, but it feels like there should be. can you please help me clear it up?

anon41345

My daughter age 8 and 1/2 years has just been treated for a calcified granuloma. is it dangerous to her life? kindly help and save my daughter.

anon41343

Recently after ct scan found that my daughter has calcified granuloma. is it dangerous to her life and please provide your suggestions for resolving the situation.

anon40374

My latest x-ray report it states Granuloma left lung. I have applied for work abroad and I failed the Medical Examination. why is that? Is there anything i can do to get rid of the granuloma and to pass the medical examination? Please help me....

-weng

anon40277

good evening and morning. i'm a student nurse. i have some questions about granuloma. my patient is 10 years of age and the diagnosis of my patient is CHD and DORV and PS. The question is what is the connection of a craniotomy to the granuloma? and how to be treated of that kinds of problem? Please answer the question. i want to know more about of that kind of problem! Thanks

anon38929

the doctor saw a calcifed granuloma in the right lower zone on my chest X ray. all other reports are OK. so what may it be? in report it is not specified in any organ. what should i do now?

ppeterpaul

From X-ray the doctor confirm that i had a calcific focus in the right lower zone and suggestive of granuloma.is there any treatment?is it a major problem? what should i do? and what precautions should i take! thank you

aagenswg

How to treat a granuloma on the facial skin??

anon29409

My cousin had a granuloma on his lung, near his heart. It had grown when a second pet-scan was performed. It was operated on, using VATS and is a complete success. If the doctors had been sure it was a granuloma, and not cancer, perhaps he would not had have the surgery.

anon26408

For anon26382:

I really don't know about the decrease of the blood flow. I was told that my gums kept over healing and that is why it took 6 months to heal. I would think that over healing would be too much blood flow. I am sorry that I cannot answer your question.

anon26382

Does a granuloma results in decreased blood flow to the affected area?

salsa

My ophthalmologist diagnosed a granuloma on my lower eyelid. He said he would not remove it because it would spread and probably be malignant. There were no tests done on the tissue. I plan on getting a second opinion when I go to the states, I am in Mexico now. Thank you.

Devjan

Hi, This is for emlmc. I also had a granuloma of the gums when I was 11. My upper gums were removed, but the granuloma continued to grow back and my gums had to be cauterized every other day for 6 months. I was told that it was caused by a stomach sore in my mouth. I have since had more trouble with Cushing's disease and had brain surgery June of 07. My oldest daughter has ITP. I wonder if any of this is inter-related?

kimo60

recently i had a non contrast helical c.t. examination of the urinary tract which revealed :

- " the spleen is of normal size, showing tiny calcific focus ... likely of granuloma."

all of the items of the examination were normal.

now the question is " is this granuloma something i should worry about, and what should i do now?

dianemac

I have a granuloma on the right lower lobe of my lung and my doctor told me it was nothing to worry about but if it grew any bigger they would have to do a biopsy. Is this true and what happens when a person has the granuloma as I do?

anon21262

i have a granuloma in the left apex how can we avoid this kind of this. Is their any treatment or medication of this kind of disease and what is it?

anon19163

My Xray finding was left granuloma. is there any treatment for granuloma to clear up my lungs?

anon17808

I had an initial finding of a small granuloma on my right part of my lung. Any medicine I can take?

anon17322

I also had a granuloma on or near my vocal cords. It was caused by LPRD, a form of GERD (acid reflux), in which acid comes up your throat and can burn your vocal cords. I think the granulomas are formed in response to the acid damage.

When you clear up the LPRD, the body is able to heal the granuloma on its own. If you treat just the granuloma and not the underlying cause, it'll end up coming back.

anon16590

I had a granuloma on or near my vocal cord. Unfortunately, the doctor I initially used really didn't know what he was seeing and removed it 3 times, using the cliche, "this thing needs to be in a bottle, not in your throat."

Finally, after 3 operations and much discomfort, I went to a new and highly regarded throat doctor. He took one look at the granuloma, brought me a medical book with a picture of one, and said, "We're not going to do anything. It'll eventually sluff off. He was correct; it must've sluffed off and not returned. That was 12 years ago!

anon14722

i had my x-ray for a month from now. it is stated in my x-ray impression that i had a calcific granuloma i'm not quite sure of which part. but it did scare me. what should i do?! thank you

confuse21

I have a history of PTB and been treated for 1 year.

My latest x-ray report it states Granuloma (Left Apix). I have applied for work abroad and I failed the Medical Examination. why is that? Is there anything i can do to get rid of the granuloma and to pass the medical examination? Please help me....

anon3854

Good gosh don't cut off the tip of your thumb!!!! Wait until the last minute. You can go on line and read all types of things on granuloma, and granuloma anulara (spelling). Anyway, look around, some sites tell you this will go away!!!

Beth

I have granuloma on my thumb. I had a biopsy done last January, then in May when it grew back, it was cauterized with an electrical torch. It healed and grew back again. Yesterday, my Dr. repeated the procedure of burning it. Next month he is going to cut off the top of my thumb. I'm having a hard time finding info about this condition on my thumb. Can you help me?

emlmc

At 15 I had a giant cell granuloma in my upper gum which had apparently been destroying the tissue in my gums along with the roots of my front teeth. I had surgery to remove the granuloma and two teeth. Although this happened a few years ago, I still have very little understanding of what a granuloma is and what caused it to occur- I have never suffered any injury to the mouth in the past so this is an unlikely cause. Can anybody shed light on this matter for me? Is it likely to reoccur?

anon129

I have just been treated for pneumonia. In my final x-ray report it states that all fields in the lungs are clear, but there is a small opacity in the left lung suggesting granuloma. My doctor says that there is totally nothing to worry about. But he only told me about it after I saw the report and asked him about it. Is there really, absolutely, completely, nothing to worry about?

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    • A doctor looking at potential granulomas on an X-ray.
      By: nyul
      A doctor looking at potential granulomas on an X-ray.
    • One form of granuloma called granuloma inguinale mostly affects those in tropical and sub-tropical regions, such as Guyana in South America.
      By: juan35mm
      One form of granuloma called granuloma inguinale mostly affects those in tropical and sub-tropical regions, such as Guyana in South America.
    • Tuberculosis is a common cause of granulomas in areas where the infection is prevalent.
      By: stockdevil
      Tuberculosis is a common cause of granulomas in areas where the infection is prevalent.
    • Most granulomas are found during an x-ray for an unrelated condition.
      By: jovannig
      Most granulomas are found during an x-ray for an unrelated condition.
    • Granulomas may occur in the lungs.
      By: CLIPAREA.com
      Granulomas may occur in the lungs.