Mercury granuloma: Difference between revisions
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{{Infobox medical condition | |||
[[File:Mercury_-_Skin.jpg| | | name = Mercury granuloma | ||
| image = [[File:Mercury_-_Skin.jpg|250px]] | |||
| caption = Skin affected by mercury granuloma | |||
| field = [[Dermatology]] | |||
| symptoms = [[Skin lesion]], [[inflammation]], [[pain]] | |||
| complications = [[Chronic inflammation]], [[scarring]] | |||
| onset = After exposure to [[mercury]] | |||
| duration = Variable, can be chronic | |||
| causes = [[Mercury]] exposure, often from [[amalgam tattoo]] or [[mercury poisoning]] | |||
| risks = Handling of [[mercury]], [[dental work]] | |||
| diagnosis = [[Biopsy]], [[histopathology]] | |||
| differential = [[Foreign body granuloma]], [[tattoo granuloma]] | |||
| prevention = Avoidance of [[mercury]] exposure | |||
| treatment = [[Surgical excision]], [[corticosteroids]] | |||
| prognosis = Generally good with treatment | |||
| frequency = Rare | |||
}} | |||
A '''mercury granuloma''' is a type of [[granuloma]] that forms in response to the presence of [[mercury]] in the tissues. Granulomas are small areas of inflammation caused by a collection of immune cells known as [[macrophages]]. These cells attempt to wall off substances that they perceive as foreign but are unable to eliminate. | A '''mercury granuloma''' is a type of [[granuloma]] that forms in response to the presence of [[mercury]] in the tissues. Granulomas are small areas of inflammation caused by a collection of immune cells known as [[macrophages]]. These cells attempt to wall off substances that they perceive as foreign but are unable to eliminate. | ||
== Pathophysiology == | == Pathophysiology == | ||
Mercury granulomas occur when mercury, often from [[amalgam]] dental fillings or other sources, becomes embedded in the skin or other tissues. The body recognizes the mercury as a foreign substance and mounts an immune response. This response involves the aggregation of macrophages and other immune cells, forming a granuloma. | Mercury granulomas occur when mercury, often from [[amalgam]] dental fillings or other sources, becomes embedded in the skin or other tissues. The body recognizes the mercury as a foreign substance and mounts an immune response. This response involves the aggregation of macrophages and other immune cells, forming a granuloma. | ||
== Clinical Presentation == | == Clinical Presentation == | ||
Patients with mercury granulomas may present with localized skin lesions that are often firm and nodular. These lesions can be painful or itchy and may vary in color from red to purple. The skin overlying the granuloma may become ulcerated in some cases. | Patients with mercury granulomas may present with localized skin lesions that are often firm and nodular. These lesions can be painful or itchy and may vary in color from red to purple. The skin overlying the granuloma may become ulcerated in some cases. | ||
== Diagnosis == | == Diagnosis == | ||
The diagnosis of mercury granuloma is typically made based on the clinical appearance of the lesions and the patient's history of exposure to mercury. A [[biopsy]] of the lesion can confirm the diagnosis by revealing the characteristic granulomatous inflammation and the presence of mercury deposits. | The diagnosis of mercury granuloma is typically made based on the clinical appearance of the lesions and the patient's history of exposure to mercury. A [[biopsy]] of the lesion can confirm the diagnosis by revealing the characteristic granulomatous inflammation and the presence of mercury deposits. | ||
== Treatment == | == Treatment == | ||
Treatment of mercury granulomas involves the removal of the source of mercury exposure, if possible. Surgical excision of the granuloma may be necessary in some cases. Topical or systemic [[corticosteroids]] may be used to reduce inflammation and alleviate symptoms. | Treatment of mercury granulomas involves the removal of the source of mercury exposure, if possible. Surgical excision of the granuloma may be necessary in some cases. Topical or systemic [[corticosteroids]] may be used to reduce inflammation and alleviate symptoms. | ||
== Prevention == | == Prevention == | ||
Preventing mercury granulomas involves minimizing exposure to mercury. This can include using alternative materials for dental fillings and taking precautions when handling mercury-containing substances. | Preventing mercury granulomas involves minimizing exposure to mercury. This can include using alternative materials for dental fillings and taking precautions when handling mercury-containing substances. | ||
== See also == | |||
== | |||
* [[Granuloma]] | * [[Granuloma]] | ||
* [[Mercury poisoning]] | * [[Mercury poisoning]] | ||
* [[Amalgam (dentistry)]] | * [[Amalgam (dentistry)]] | ||
[[Category:Dermatology]] | [[Category:Dermatology]] | ||
[[Category:Inflammatory conditions]] | [[Category:Inflammatory conditions]] | ||
Latest revision as of 03:51, 8 April 2025
Editor-In-Chief: Prab R Tumpati, MD
Obesity, Sleep & Internal medicine
Founder, WikiMD Wellnesspedia &
W8MD medical weight loss NYC and sleep center NYC
| Mercury granuloma | |
|---|---|
| |
| Synonyms | N/A |
| Pronounce | N/A |
| Specialty | N/A |
| Symptoms | Skin lesion, inflammation, pain |
| Complications | Chronic inflammation, scarring |
| Onset | After exposure to mercury |
| Duration | Variable, can be chronic |
| Types | N/A |
| Causes | Mercury exposure, often from amalgam tattoo or mercury poisoning |
| Risks | Handling of mercury, dental work |
| Diagnosis | Biopsy, histopathology |
| Differential diagnosis | Foreign body granuloma, tattoo granuloma |
| Prevention | Avoidance of mercury exposure |
| Treatment | Surgical excision, corticosteroids |
| Medication | N/A |
| Prognosis | Generally good with treatment |
| Frequency | Rare |
| Deaths | N/A |
A mercury granuloma is a type of granuloma that forms in response to the presence of mercury in the tissues. Granulomas are small areas of inflammation caused by a collection of immune cells known as macrophages. These cells attempt to wall off substances that they perceive as foreign but are unable to eliminate.
Pathophysiology[edit]
Mercury granulomas occur when mercury, often from amalgam dental fillings or other sources, becomes embedded in the skin or other tissues. The body recognizes the mercury as a foreign substance and mounts an immune response. This response involves the aggregation of macrophages and other immune cells, forming a granuloma.
Clinical Presentation[edit]
Patients with mercury granulomas may present with localized skin lesions that are often firm and nodular. These lesions can be painful or itchy and may vary in color from red to purple. The skin overlying the granuloma may become ulcerated in some cases.
Diagnosis[edit]
The diagnosis of mercury granuloma is typically made based on the clinical appearance of the lesions and the patient's history of exposure to mercury. A biopsy of the lesion can confirm the diagnosis by revealing the characteristic granulomatous inflammation and the presence of mercury deposits.
Treatment[edit]
Treatment of mercury granulomas involves the removal of the source of mercury exposure, if possible. Surgical excision of the granuloma may be necessary in some cases. Topical or systemic corticosteroids may be used to reduce inflammation and alleviate symptoms.
Prevention[edit]
Preventing mercury granulomas involves minimizing exposure to mercury. This can include using alternative materials for dental fillings and taking precautions when handling mercury-containing substances.
