An indurated lesion is an area of skin or tissue that has become hardened or thickened.
This hardening, known as induration, occurs due to various underlying causes, most commonly:
- Inflammation: Immune cells infiltrate the area, leading to swelling and hardening.
- Edema: Fluid accumulation in the tissues can cause induration.
- Infiltration: The introduction of foreign substances or abnormal cells (like cancer cells) can lead to hardening.
- Scar Tissue Formation: Collagen deposition during wound healing can result in induration.
Characteristics of Indurated Lesions:
- Hard to the Touch: The affected area feels firm and resistant.
- Thickened: The skin or tissue appears raised or denser than the surrounding area.
- May or May Not Be Painful: Pain depends on the underlying cause and the extent of the lesion.
- Variable Appearance: The appearance can vary depending on the underlying cause, from red and inflamed to skin-colored.
Examples of Conditions with Indurated Lesions:
- Panniculitis: Inflammation of subcutaneous fat, resulting in indurated nodules.
- Skin Infections: Bacterial or fungal infections can cause induration around the infected area.
- Cutaneous Metastatic Cancers: Cancer cells spreading to the skin can cause indurated nodules.
- Cellulitis: A bacterial infection of the skin and subcutaneous tissues.
- Tuberculosis (TB): Some forms of TB can manifest as indurated skin lesions.
Diagnosis and Treatment:
Diagnosing the cause of an indurated lesion often involves:
- Physical Examination: A doctor will examine the lesion and surrounding area.
- Medical History: The doctor will ask about your medical history and any symptoms you are experiencing.
- Biopsy: A small sample of the lesion may be taken for microscopic examination.
Treatment depends entirely on the underlying cause of the induration. It can range from antibiotics for infections to chemotherapy for cancer.
In summary, an indurated lesion is a hardened or thickened area of skin or tissue resulting from inflammation, edema, infiltration, or scar tissue formation. Diagnosis and treatment depend on identifying the underlying cause.
