Tuberculous gumma: Difference between revisions

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Tuberculous Gumma

A tuberculous gumma is a rare manifestation of tuberculosis (TB), characterized by a localized, tumor-like lesion in the skin or subcutaneous tissue. It is a form of cutaneous tuberculosis, which occurs when the Mycobacterium tuberculosis bacteria infect the skin.

Pathophysiology

Tuberculous gummas are formed when the immune response to the tuberculosis bacteria is insufficient to completely eradicate the infection, leading to the formation of a granulomatous lesion. These lesions are typically firm, painless, and can vary in size. They are often found in individuals with a compromised immune system or in those with a high bacterial load.

Clinical Presentation

Patients with tuberculous gumma may present with one or more nodules that can ulcerate and discharge pus. The lesions are usually found on the extremities, trunk, or face. Diagnosis is often confirmed through a biopsy of the lesion, which reveals caseating granulomas, and by identifying the presence of Mycobacterium tuberculosis through polymerase chain reaction (PCR) or culture.

Diagnosis

The diagnosis of tuberculous gumma involves a combination of clinical examination, histopathological analysis, and microbiological tests. A skin biopsy is essential to observe the characteristic histological features, such as caseating necrosis and granuloma formation. Ziehl-Neelsen stain may be used to detect acid-fast bacilli, although they are not always present in the lesions.

Treatment

The treatment of tuberculous gumma is similar to that of other forms of tuberculosis and involves a combination of antitubercular therapy (ATT). The standard regimen includes drugs such as isoniazid, rifampicin, ethambutol, and pyrazinamide. The duration of treatment is typically six to nine months, depending on the severity and response to therapy.

Prognosis

With appropriate treatment, the prognosis for patients with tuberculous gumma is generally good. However, delayed diagnosis or inadequate treatment can lead to complications, including the spread of the infection to other parts of the body.

Related Pages

References

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-'''Trafermin''' is a synthetic form of [[human fibroblast growth factor]] (FGF), a substance that is naturally present in the body and plays a crucial role in wound healing and tissue repair. It is used in medicine to promote the healing of skin ulcers and other wounds.
+== Tuberculous Gumma ==
-== Mechanism of Action ==
+A '''tuberculous gumma''' is a rare manifestation of [[tuberculosis]] (TB), characterized by a localized, tumor-like lesion in the skin or subcutaneous tissue. It is a form of [[cutaneous tuberculosis]], which occurs when the [[Mycobacterium tuberculosis]] bacteria infect the skin.
-Trafermin works by stimulating the growth of cells involved in wound healing, particularly fibroblasts. These cells produce collagen and other proteins that form the structure of skin and other tissues. By promoting the proliferation of fibroblasts, trafermin helps to speed up the healing process.
+== Pathophysiology ==
-== Uses ==
+Tuberculous gummas are formed when the immune response to the tuberculosis bacteria is insufficient to completely eradicate the infection, leading to the formation of a granulomatous lesion. These lesions are typically firm, painless, and can vary in size. They are often found in individuals with a compromised immune system or in those with a high bacterial load.
-Trafermin is used in the treatment of chronic skin ulcers, such as those caused by [[diabetes]] or [[venous insufficiency]]. It is also used to promote healing in wounds caused by burns or surgery.
+== Clinical Presentation ==
-== Side Effects ==
+Patients with tuberculous gumma may present with one or more nodules that can ulcerate and discharge pus. The lesions are usually found on the extremities, trunk, or face. Diagnosis is often confirmed through a [[biopsy]] of the lesion, which reveals caseating granulomas, and by identifying the presence of Mycobacterium tuberculosis through [[polymerase chain reaction]] (PCR) or culture.
-Like all medicines, trafermin can cause side effects. These may include redness, swelling, or pain at the site of application. In rare cases, it can cause allergic reactions.
+== Diagnosis ==
-== Contraindications ==
+The diagnosis of tuberculous gumma involves a combination of clinical examination, histopathological analysis, and microbiological tests. A skin biopsy is essential to observe the characteristic histological features, such as caseating necrosis and granuloma formation. [[Ziehl-Neelsen stain]] may be used to detect acid-fast bacilli, although they are not always present in the lesions.
-Trafermin should not be used in people who are allergic to it or to any of its ingredients. It should also not be used in people with certain types of skin cancer, as it could potentially stimulate the growth of cancer cells.
+== Treatment ==
-== See Also ==
+The treatment of tuberculous gumma is similar to that of other forms of tuberculosis and involves a combination of [[antitubercular therapy]] (ATT). The standard regimen includes drugs such as [[isoniazid]], [[rifampicin]], [[ethambutol]], and [[pyrazinamide]]. The duration of treatment is typically six to nine months, depending on the severity and response to therapy.
-* [[Fibroblast Growth Factor]]
+== Prognosis ==
-* [[Wound Healing]]
-* [[Skin Ulcer]]
-[[Category:Medicine]]
+With appropriate treatment, the prognosis for patients with tuberculous gumma is generally good. However, delayed diagnosis or inadequate treatment can lead to complications, including the spread of the infection to other parts of the body.
-[[Category:Pharmacology]]
+== Related Pages ==
+* [[Tuberculosis]]
+* [[Cutaneous tuberculosis]]
+* [[Granuloma]]
+== References ==
+{{Reflist}}
+[[Category:Tuberculosis]]
 [[Category:Dermatology]]
-{{stub}}
+[[File:Tuberculoid_Gumma2.png|thumb|right|A tuberculous gumma on the skin.]]