Contents
Definition of granuloma
A granuloma is a focal growth (which has an inflammatory origin) of connective tissue cells, appearing in the form of small nodules. The etiology is varied. There are non-infectious and infectious granulomas, as well as granulomas of unknown etiology.
Causes of granuloma
Infectious granulomas are formed with tularemia, rabies, typhoid and typhus, viral encephalitis, tuberculosis, rheumatism, syphilis and some other diseases. Non-infectious granulomas occur with drug exposure (oleogranulomatous disease, granulomatous hepatitis), occupational dust diseases (byssinosis, asbestosis, talcosis, and others). In addition, they appear around foreign bodies. Granulomas in Horton’s and Crohn’s diseases, sarcoidosis are usually referred to as granulomas of unknown etiology.
In dental practice, there is such a thing as a granuloma of the tooth, which is a localized area of inflamed tissue (a small purulent nodule or sac) in the area of uXNUMXbuXNUMXbthe tooth root. This area is the focus of infection and can provoke the progression of inflammatory processes in the root of the tooth. If the granuloma of the tooth is not cured in time, then, despite its relatively small size, it can lead to serious complications. Periodontitis is one of the main causes leading to the formation of dental root granulomas.
Venereal granuloma refers by doctors to a number of classic sexually transmitted diseases. In most cases, it is transmitted sexually. There is also a small percentage of the likelihood of infection through close household contact, but this is unlikely – the bacterium is almost unable to exist outside the human body. This disease manifests itself in the form of a pink papule, later the papule transforms into an ulcer.
Symptoms of granuloma
The incubation period of venereal granuloma can last from one day to almost three months. On average, this period is about thirty days. The duration of this period depends on the activity of bacteria and on the state of the immune system of the infected. Only after the end of the incubation period do the first symptoms appear in the form of small bright red spots. Then a pink nodule appears, the papule grows in breadth, after two weeks reaching a diameter of about four centimeters.
A papule with progression of venereal granuloma will gradually transform into a soft ulcer that has a velvety surface and a fleshy red color. This formation is characterized by a very unpleasant odor. Genital organs in most cases are affected in the perineum and on the inner thigh, in the pubic area. The face, neck, and oral cavity may also be affected.
Granuloma of the tooth can develop almost asymptomatically for a long time. But over time, the disease will manifest itself with certain symptoms: severe pain that occurs when eating solid food or pressing on a tooth, reddening of the gums and swelling, darkening of the tooth. The manifestation of symptoms of granuloma and its exacerbation can be triggered by various reasons: hard mental or physical work, stress, colds, exposure to low temperatures for a long time.
Diagnosis of granuloma
For a competent diagnosis of a venereal granuloma, a venereologist in a short time must exclude from the list other venereal diseases with similar symptoms: syphilis, chancre, etc. To do this, studies of the genital organs of partners are carried out and various tests are carried out. In addition, microscopic examinations are carried out, and in case of an unclear picture of the disease, other methods can be used.
It is not always possible to identify a dental granuloma during a preventive examination by a doctor (especially due to its small size and the absence of obvious manifestations). By external signs, it is quite difficult to detect a granuloma, since the affected tooth may hardly differ from healthy adjacent teeth. It is possible to assume a granuloma when clinical symptoms appear that indicate its suppuration or growth. An accurate diagnosis can be made using x-rays.
Radiovisiography also makes it possible to establish a dental granuloma.
Treatment and prevention of granuloma
Under no circumstances should you self-medicate a venereal granuloma – this can lead to the transition of the disease to a chronic form. To eliminate the granuloma, you need to contact a competent doctor who will prescribe the appropriate course of treatment.
Tooth granuloma can develop asymptomatically for a long time. In many cases, a dental root granuloma is diagnosed by chance, when x-rays are taken during the treatment of other diseases. As a result, it is very important to make regular preventive trips to the dentist – this will either prevent a tooth granuloma, or detect it in time and interrupt its development.
To date, there are several effective ways to treat this disease, but saving a tooth is not possible in all cases. The selection of a treatment method (surgical or conservative) is based on an assessment of the condition of the dental tissues, possible complications of the disease, the size of the granuloma and other factors. Conservative treatment methods consist in filling the cavity with various filling materials, which are introduced through the root canal.
Also, with the help of antibiotic therapy, the infection is eliminated. Until recently, the surgical method of treatment consisted exclusively in the extraction of a tooth. Nowadays, more sparing operations are carried out, consisting in hemisection of the tooth or resection of the root apex.