Periapical Granuloma
Pronunciation: pair-ee-AY-pih-kul gran-yoo-LOH-mah
A localised mass of chronically inflamed granulation tissue at the apex of a non-vital tooth root, representing the body's response to pulpal necrosis.
Full Definition
A periapical granuloma is the most common periapical lesion, forming as a chronic inflammatory response to microbial irritants emanating from a necrotic dental pulp. Histologically, it consists of granulation tissue with dense infiltrates of lymphocytes, plasma cells, and macrophages, sometimes containing foamy histiocytes or cholesterol clefts. Despite its name, it does not contain true granulomas (epithelioid macrophage clusters) in the pathological sense. Editors must note the potential for misnomer confusion: a periapical granuloma is not a granulomatous lesion in the strict histological meaning. It may develop into a radicular cyst if epithelial rests of Malassez are stimulated to proliferate.
Usage
Usage note: Despite the term 'granuloma,' this lesion is not composed of true (epithelioid) granulomas. Flag any manuscript that implies it is a granulomatous disease without further qualification.
In Context
- "Histological sections revealed a periapical granuloma with chronic inflammatory infiltrate and no evidence of cyst formation." — Histopathology report
- "The author confused 'periapical granuloma' with a true granulomatous process; the editor added a clarifying note distinguishing between the clinical and histological uses of the term." — Copy-editing note