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Guilherme Mazui

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What is the Difference Between Gangrene and Necrosis?

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Gangrene and necrosis are related, but they have distinct differences.

Necrosis refers to the process of irreversible cell death at the cellular level, while gangrene is a clinical condition involving ischemic and necrotic tissue, often circumferential around a digit or extremity. Necrosis can be caused by various factors, such as external or internal injuries, illness, infection, or disease.

Gangrene, on the other hand, specifically refers to tissue death due to an interrupted blood supply, such as that caused by blocked blood flow to body tissues or internal organs. Gangrene is a life-threatening condition and can be classified into three main types: wet gangrene, dry gangrene, and gas gangrene.

In summary, the main differences between gangrene and necrosis are:

  • Necrosis occurs at the cellular level, while gangrene involves tissue death.
  • Necrosis can be caused by various factors, whereas gangrene is specifically caused by an interrupted blood supply.
  • Gangrene is a more severe condition that can be life-threatening, while necrosis refers to the broader process of cell death.
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  • What is the Difference Between Gangrene and Necrosis?
  • Comparative Table: Gangrene vs Necrosis

    • Comparative Table: Gangrene vs Necrosis

    Here is a table comparing the differences between gangrene and necrosis:

    Feature Necrosis Gangrene
    Definition Necrosis is a type of cell injury where premature death of cells occurs. Gangrene is a life-threatening condition that arises when a considerable mass of living healthy tissue dies due to reduced blood supply.
    Level Necrosis pertains to the cellular level. Gangrene involves the tissues.
    Causes Necrosis is caused by the loss of cell membrane integrity, cell enlargement, and other factors. Gangrene is caused by a lack of blood supply, which destroys tissues indirectly.
    Symptoms Symptoms of necrosis include loss of cell membrane integrity, cell expansion, and shrinkage of the cell center (nucleus). Gangrene is characterized by a lack of blood flow, leading to tissue death.
    Treatment The sole treatment for necrosis is the removal of the dead tissue. The primary treatment for gangrene is removing the dead tissue and addressing the underlying cause, such as improving blood flow or treating infections.
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    Guilherme Mazui

    Guilherme Mazui is graduated in journalism from the Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG) and a master's degree in Communication from the University of São Paulo (USP). In addition, he has experience in advertising writing and has worked as a content editor in several companies.