What is a foreign body granuloma?

Foreign body granulomas develop as a kind of inflammatory reaction of the skin, soft tissue and subcutaneous fat tissue to the penetration of foreign bodies. This is a chronic inflammatory reaction that involves the giant cells typical of granulomas. Possible foreign bodies are, for example, skin sutures that have not been removed, spikes, antiperspirants or hair.

Medically introduced substances such as collagens (dermatological treatments with fillers) can also cause a foreign body granuloma. However, contrary to what the name suggests, endogenous substances can also be responsible for the development of a foreign body granuloma. Diseases such as gout or fatty tissue inflammation are possible causes.

The reddish-brown, coarse nodules can appear all over the body and cause a sharp pain. The foreign body, as well as the inflamed granuloma, is surgically removed by a surgeon. Furthermore, glucocorticoids, which are similar to cortisone, are injected into the tissue. They inhibit the inflammatory reaction and thus contribute to healing.

The käsende granuloma of tuberculosis

Tuberculosis is an infectious disease caused by so-called mycobacteria. It can affect almost every organ – including the skin – and belongs to the granulomatous diseases. Typical for tuberculosis is the development of so-called käsende granulomas.

This type of granulomas is characterized by the fact that necroses are found in them. Necroses are nests of dead cells, which in tuberculosis are often located in the center of the granuloma. Pathologists can recognize these kassaetic granulomas under the microscope and thus consider tuberculosis as a disease. The granulomas themselves can occur in any organ, but are very often found in the lungs.

Granulomas of the skin – how can they develop?

First of all, granulomas are nothing more than a special type of tissue proliferation. They are part of various diseases and can also affect the skin. In the context of chronic inflammation, for example in tuberculosis, rheumatism, sarcoidosis or fatty tissue inflammation, granulomas are found on the skin.

A foreign body, such as a sting or a non-removed suture, can also cause a granuloma of the skin. The granuloma can be palpable as a rough skin knot. It does not necessarily cause symptoms and often has no specific discoloration, but is skin-colored. The type of granuloma is determined by a sample and further examinations tailored to the underlying clinical picture.