The word "
granuloma" originates from the Latin word
"granum," meaning "grain" or "seed."
Granulomas appear as small lumps with a distinctive
cellular make-up that can be observed by using a microscope. They can develop
on almost any internal or external body part. There are numerous diverse
granulomatous diseases, including
Crohn's disease,
tuberculosis and
sarcoidosis.
The cells that form a
granuloma come from the immune system, which is the body's
defence against disease and illness. Its key component parts are macrophages
and leukocytes, cells that originate in the bone marrow and pass along the
lymphatic vessels to various parts of the body.
Macrophages are cells that attack alien germs and bacteria by surrounding
and engulfing them.
Macrophages exude various biochemicals that influence the
action of the surrounding cells. For example,
cytokines are one type of biochemical
that may be secreted, which causes inflammation, the reason behind an infected
area becoming inflamed.
Lymphocytes are smaller immune cells that lay dormant until triggered by
meeting a foreign body, an antigen, and then begin to secrete antibodies to
fight the invader. The most common types of
lymphocytes are T cells and B
cells, and the antibodies they produce are called
immunoglobulins. When foreign
bodies such as bacteria, viruses, and toxins resist the action of
macrophages, the
resisting particles are attacked by the macrophages, leading to the formation
of a
granuloma, a cluster of a variety of cells forming a distinct nodule.
Sarcoidosis is a disease of unknown origin that is distinguishable by the
formation of
granulomas in various organs. It is the development of these
granulomas and the ensuing tissue damage that cause
sarcoidosis symptoms. However,
in a lot of instances ,
granulomas do not form in key areas of the body or
appear in such significant numbers that they lead to symptoms. The
manifestation of the disease can differ greatly between sufferers. Some
patients experience a short lived, mild attack, whereas in others the disease
becomes chronic and incapacitating.
Typical
sarcoidosis treatment is the prescribing of
corticosteroids,
anti-inflammatory drugs, but prolonged use can lead to unwanted and potentially
dangerous side-effects. However, an all natural
sarcoidosis alternative treatment is an option that is available.