Difference between granulation tissue and granuloma

There is a significant medical distinction between granulation tissue and granulomas as follows: Granulation tissue primarily refers to newly formed tissue during the wound healing process of skin or soft tissues. It consists mainly of new capillaries, fibroblasts, and inflammatory cells. It has a granular appearance and serves functions such as fighting infection, protecting the wound, filling wound gaps, and removing foreign substances. It represents an important stage in the healing process and indicates active tissue repair. In contrast, a granuloma is a pathological change characterized by a clearly demarcated nodular lesion formed by local proliferation and infiltration of macrophages and their derivative cells. Granuloma formation is usually associated with infections (such as bacterial, fungal, or parasitic infections), trauma, autoimmune diseases, or foreign body irritation (e.g., surgical sutures or dust particles). The main cellular components of granulomas are epithelioid cells and multinucleated giant cells. Granulomas are generally soft in texture and smooth-surfaced; they may be asymptomatic or cause itching. However, if left untreated, they may lead to worsening of the condition or even suppuration.