A granuloma is a lesion that is characterized by specific microscopic findings that include giant cells. These cells are part of the inflammatory response to a foreign body placed into the skin or other location in the body. Clinically, a granuloma is a firm nodule that is usually painless and indolent. The diagnosis is a microscopic one made upon biopsy of a lesion. Often a granuloma is an incidentally discovered. While a physician may identify a lesion suspected to be a granuloma, the definitive diagnostic tool is a biopsy subjected to microscopic analysis.
A granuloma is caused when a foreign body is introduced into human tissue. The method of introduction can be by injection (e.g., a filler), surgery (e.g., a pacemaker) or mishap (e.g., a splinter). This is referred to as a foreign body reaction.
Granulomas medical expert witness specialties include pathology.