Rheumatoid nodule
Rheumatoid Nodule
A Rheumatoid nodule (pronunciation: /ˌruːməˈtɔɪd ˈnɒdjuːl/) is a local swelling or tissue lump, usually rather firm to touch, like an unripe fruit, which occurs almost exclusively in association with Rheumatoid arthritis. The etymology of the term originates from the Greek words "rheumatos" (meaning "flowing") and "eidos" (meaning "form"), and the Latin word "nodulus" (meaning "small knot").
Description
Rheumatoid nodules are the most common skin manifestations of rheumatoid arthritis. They are found in about 25% of rheumatoid arthritis patients and are typically located in pressure points of the body, such as the elbows and fingers. However, they can also occur in internal organs, such as the lungs and heart.
Symptoms
The nodules are usually painless and can range in size from a small pea to a large walnut. They may appear suddenly or gradually and may fluctuate in size. In some cases, the nodules may become infected or ulcerated.
Causes
The exact cause of rheumatoid nodules is unknown, but they are associated with severe cases of rheumatoid arthritis. They are more common in people who test positive for rheumatoid factor, a type of antibody found in the blood of most people with rheumatoid arthritis.
Treatment
Treatment for rheumatoid nodules is usually not necessary unless they are causing discomfort or complications. In some cases, they may be surgically removed or treated with corticosteroid injections. Treatment of the underlying rheumatoid arthritis with disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) may also help reduce the size and number of nodules.
See Also
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Rheumatoid nodule
- Wikipedia's article - Rheumatoid nodule
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