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Learn more about "Lesion"
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LesionA '''lesion''' is any abnormal tissue found on or in an organism, usually damaged by disease or trauma. ''Lesion'' is derived from the Latin word ''laesio'' which means ''injury''.
Causes of lesions
Lesions are caused by any process that damages tissues. A cancerous tumor is an example of a lesion, however the surrounding tissue damaged by a tumor is also a lesion. Physical trauma|Trauma, including electrocution and chemical burns can also cause lesions. Certain diseases present lesions, for example the skin deformities caused by chicken pox. Lesions can also be caused by metabolic processes, like an ulcer or autoimmune activity, as in the case with many forms of arthritis.
Lesions are sometimes intentionally inflicted during neurosurgery, such as the carefully-placed brain lesion used to treat epilepsy and other brain disorders. ''(See Ablative brain surgery.)''
Note that lesions are not limited to animals or humans; damaged plants are said to have lesions.
Types of lesions
Because the definition of '''lesion''' is so broad, the varieties of lesions are virtually endless. They are subsequently classified by their features. If a lesion is caused by cancer (disease)|cancer it will be classified as ''malignant tumor|malignant'' versus ''benign tumor|benign''. Lesions may be classified by the shape they form, as is the case with many ulcers, which can have a Bullseye (target)|bullseye or 'target' appearance. Their size may be specified as ''gross'' or ''histologic'' depending on whether they are visible to the unaided eye or require a microscope to see.
An additional classification that is sometimes used is based on whether or not a lesion occupies space. A ''space occupying lesion'', as the name suggests, occupies space and may impinge on nearby structures, whereas a ''non space occupying lesion'' is simply a hole in the tissue, e.g. a small area of the brain that has turned to fluid following a stroke.
Some lesions have specialized names, like the ''Gohn lesions'' in the lungs of tuberculosis victims. The characteristic skin lesions of a varicella-zoster virus (VZV) infection are called ''chickenpox''. Lesions of the teeth are usually called dental caries.
Finally, lesions are often classified by their location. For example, compare a 'skin lesion' versus a 'brain lesion'.
See also
- Ablation
Neonatal hypo-glycemia may result in lesions in the brain which may further induce hyperactivity in children.
External links
- Brain Lesion Locator Differential Diagnosis of Brain Lesions
Category:Anatomical pathology
Category:Medical signs
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Sources: StartLearningNow, Wikipedia | Usage license: GNU FDL
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