Infiltration (medical)

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Infiltration (medical)

Infiltration (/ɪnˌfɪlˈtreɪʃən/; from Latin infiltrare, "to permeate") is a medical term referring to the diffusion or accumulation of substances or cells not normally present within a tissue or body part. This process can occur in various contexts, such as in inflammation, infection, or cancer.

Definition

Infiltration in a medical context is the process where a substance or cell enters or accumulates in a tissue or body part. This can occur in various situations, such as during an inflammatory response, where immune cells infiltrate the affected tissue, or in cancer, where malignant cells infiltrate healthy tissue.

Types of Infiltration

There are several types of infiltration, depending on the substance or cells involved:

  • Leukocyte infiltration: This occurs during an inflammatory response, where white blood cells move into the affected tissue to fight off infection.
  • Cancer cell infiltration: This is a process where cancer cells invade and spread into healthy tissue.
  • Edema infiltration: This refers to the accumulation of fluid in the tissues, often due to inflammation or injury.

Clinical Significance

Infiltration is a significant process in many diseases and conditions. For example, in rheumatoid arthritis, the infiltration of immune cells into the joints leads to inflammation and joint damage. In cancer, the ability of malignant cells to infiltrate healthy tissue is a key factor in the disease's progression and spread.

See Also

References

External links

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