What is the Difference Between Granulation Tissue and Granuloma?

Granulation tissue and granuloma are two distinct pathological conditions that play different roles in the healing process. The main differences between them are:

• Formation: Granulation tissue is the newly formed connective tissue and blood vessels in chronic wound healing, while granuloma is the collection of macrophages formed in response to chronic inflammation.
• Function: Granulation tissue is a part of the wound repair process and an example of fibrovascular proliferation, filling the wound, replacing dead tissues, and protecting the wound surface. Granulomas, on the other hand, surround and digest foreign bodies, preventing the spread of diseases.
• Appearance: Granulation tissue is usually reddish in color, soft, and moist. Granulomas can be found as a part of many diseases and are often mistaken for granulation tissues.
• Pain: Granulation tissue is typically painless, while granulomas can cause signs of inflammation like fever, loss of appetite, and loss of function in severe cases.
• Immune Cells: Both granulation tissue and granuloma are associated with immune cells, but they have different cellular compositions. Granulation tissue is characterized by the presence and proliferation of fibroblasts, keratinocytes, and endothelial cells. Granulomas are organized collections of immune cells, especially macrophages, and are often surrounded by lymphocytes.

Comparative Table: Granulation Tissue vs Granuloma

The main difference between granulation tissue and granuloma lies in their formation and function. Granulation tissue is newly formed connective tissue and microscopic blood vessels that form on the surface of a wound during the healing process, while granuloma is a structure formed in response to chronic inflammation, consisting of an organized collection of immune cells, especially macrophages.

Here is a comparative table highlighting the differences between granulation tissue and granuloma:

In summary, granulation tissue is involved in the wound healing process, forming new connective tissue and blood vessels to fill and protect the wound. Granulomas, on the other hand, are a response to chronic inflammation and serve to contain and destroy foreign antigens.