abscess

abscess localized inflamation associated with tissue necrosis. Abscesses are characterized by inflamation, which is due to the accumulation of pus in the local tissues, and often painful swelling. They occur in the skin, at the root of a tooth, in the middle ear, on the eyelid (see sty ), in the mammary glands, in the recto-anal area, and elsewhere in the body. Abscesses may develop in lung tissue, in the lymph nodes, and in bone. A sinus abscess may result in a fistula , and abscess of the appendix in appendicitis. Unless an abscess discharges spontaneously, surgical incision and drainage is required. See boil ; carbuncle .

abscess Collection of pus anywhere in the body, contained in a cavity of inflamed tissue. It is caused by bacterial infection.

abscess (ab-sis) n. a collection of pus and necrotic tissue enclosed by damaged and inflamed tissues. acute a. an abscess associated with pain, inflammation, and some fever. apical a. an abscess in the bone around the tip of the root of a tooth. Brodie's a. a chronic abscess of bone that develops from acute bacterial osteomyelitis. cerebral a. an abscess resulting from infection of the brain or its meninges. cold or chronic a. an abscess, usually due to tuberculosis bacilli, in which there is little pain or inflammation. psoas a. a cold abscess in the psoas muscle (in the groin), which has spread from diseased vertebrae in the lower part of the spine. subphrenic a. an abscess in the space below the diaphragm, usually resulting from a spread of infection from the abdomen. tropical (or amoebic) a. an abscess of the liver caused by infection with Entamoeba histolytica. See also ischiorectal abscess.