Rheumatoid nodule: Difference between revisions

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{{SI}}
{{Infobox medical condition
| name            = Rheumatoid nodule
| image          = [[File:Histopathology_of_a_rheumatoid_nodule.png|left|thumb|Histopathology of a rheumatoid nodule]]
| caption        = Histopathology of a rheumatoid nodule
| field          = [[Rheumatology]]
| symptoms        = Firm lumps under the skin, usually over bony areas
| complications  = Infection, ulceration
| onset          = Typically occurs in patients with [[rheumatoid arthritis]]
| duration        = Chronic
| causes          = [[Rheumatoid arthritis]]
| risks          = [[Rheumatoid factor]] positivity, severe [[rheumatoid arthritis]]
| diagnosis      = Clinical examination, [[biopsy]]
| differential    = [[Gouty tophi]], [[lipoma]], [[ganglion cyst]]
| treatment      = [[Methotrexate]], [[corticosteroids]], surgical removal
| prognosis      = Generally benign, but may indicate severe [[rheumatoid arthritis]]
| frequency      = Occurs in about 20-30% of patients with [[rheumatoid arthritis]]
}}
'''Rheumatoid nodules''' are firm lumps that appear under the skin near joints affected by [[rheumatoid arthritis]]. They are the most common skin manifestation of rheumatoid arthritis and are often associated with a more severe course of the disease.
'''Rheumatoid nodules''' are firm lumps that appear under the skin near joints affected by [[rheumatoid arthritis]]. They are the most common skin manifestation of rheumatoid arthritis and are often associated with a more severe course of the disease.
== Signs and Symptoms ==
== Signs and Symptoms ==
Rheumatoid nodules are typically round or oval and range in size from a pea to a walnut. They are usually found on pressure points such as the elbows, fingers, knuckles, and the back of the heel. However, they can also occur in other areas such as the lungs and heart. The nodules are usually painless, but can become tender or painful if they become infected or ulcerated.
Rheumatoid nodules are typically round or oval and range in size from a pea to a walnut. They are usually found on pressure points such as the elbows, fingers, knuckles, and the back of the heel. However, they can also occur in other areas such as the lungs and heart. The nodules are usually painless, but can become tender or painful if they become infected or ulcerated.
== Causes ==
== Causes ==
The exact cause of rheumatoid nodules is unknown, but they are thought to be a result of inflammation caused by rheumatoid arthritis. They are more common in people who have severe rheumatoid arthritis and those who test positive for [[rheumatoid factor]], an antibody found in the blood of most people with rheumatoid arthritis.
The exact cause of rheumatoid nodules is unknown, but they are thought to be a result of inflammation caused by rheumatoid arthritis. They are more common in people who have severe rheumatoid arthritis and those who test positive for [[rheumatoid factor]], an antibody found in the blood of most people with rheumatoid arthritis.
== Diagnosis ==
== Diagnosis ==
Rheumatoid nodules are usually diagnosed based on their appearance and location. A doctor may also perform a biopsy, where a small sample of the nodule is removed and examined under a microscope to confirm the diagnosis.
Rheumatoid nodules are usually diagnosed based on their appearance and location. A doctor may also perform a biopsy, where a small sample of the nodule is removed and examined under a microscope to confirm the diagnosis.
== Treatment ==
== Treatment ==
Treatment for rheumatoid nodules is usually not necessary unless they are causing discomfort or complications. If treatment is needed, it may include medications to reduce inflammation and pain, or surgery to remove the nodules.
Treatment for rheumatoid nodules is usually not necessary unless they are causing discomfort or complications. If treatment is needed, it may include medications to reduce inflammation and pain, or surgery to remove the nodules.
== See Also ==
== See Also ==
* [[Rheumatoid Arthritis]]
* [[Rheumatoid Arthritis]]
* [[Rheumatoid Factor]]
* [[Rheumatoid Factor]]
* [[Inflammation]]
* [[Inflammation]]
== References ==
== References ==
<references />
<references />
[[Category:Rheumatology]]
[[Category:Rheumatology]]
[[Category:Dermatology]]
[[Category:Dermatology]]
[[Category:Symptoms and signs]]
[[Category:Symptoms and signs]]
{{stub}}
{{stub}}
{{dictionary-stub1}}
<gallery>
File:Histopathology of a rheumatoid nodule.png|Rheumatoid nodule
</gallery>

Latest revision as of 22:32, 6 April 2025

Editor-In-Chief: Prab R Tumpati, MD
Obesity, Sleep & Internal medicine
Founder, WikiMD Wellnesspedia &
W8MD's medical weight loss NYC, sleep center NYC
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Rheumatoid nodule
Histopathology of a rheumatoid nodule
Synonyms N/A
Pronounce N/A
Specialty N/A
Symptoms Firm lumps under the skin, usually over bony areas
Complications Infection, ulceration
Onset Typically occurs in patients with rheumatoid arthritis
Duration Chronic
Types N/A
Causes Rheumatoid arthritis
Risks Rheumatoid factor positivity, severe rheumatoid arthritis
Diagnosis Clinical examination, biopsy
Differential diagnosis Gouty tophi, lipoma, ganglion cyst
Prevention N/A
Treatment Methotrexate, corticosteroids, surgical removal
Medication N/A
Prognosis Generally benign, but may indicate severe rheumatoid arthritis
Frequency Occurs in about 20-30% of patients with rheumatoid arthritis
Deaths N/A


Rheumatoid nodules are firm lumps that appear under the skin near joints affected by rheumatoid arthritis. They are the most common skin manifestation of rheumatoid arthritis and are often associated with a more severe course of the disease.

Signs and Symptoms[edit]

Rheumatoid nodules are typically round or oval and range in size from a pea to a walnut. They are usually found on pressure points such as the elbows, fingers, knuckles, and the back of the heel. However, they can also occur in other areas such as the lungs and heart. The nodules are usually painless, but can become tender or painful if they become infected or ulcerated.

Causes[edit]

The exact cause of rheumatoid nodules is unknown, but they are thought to be a result of inflammation caused by rheumatoid arthritis. They are more common in people who have severe rheumatoid arthritis and those who test positive for rheumatoid factor, an antibody found in the blood of most people with rheumatoid arthritis.

Diagnosis[edit]

Rheumatoid nodules are usually diagnosed based on their appearance and location. A doctor may also perform a biopsy, where a small sample of the nodule is removed and examined under a microscope to confirm the diagnosis.

Treatment[edit]

Treatment for rheumatoid nodules is usually not necessary unless they are causing discomfort or complications. If treatment is needed, it may include medications to reduce inflammation and pain, or surgery to remove the nodules.

See Also[edit]

References[edit]

<references />

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