Induration

Induration is a medical term that refers to the hardening of an area of the body, which can be caused by inflammation, accumulation of scar tissue, or growth of a tumor. It is often used to describe the physical characteristic of a palpable mass or lesion.

Causes

Induration can be caused by a variety of medical conditions, including:

• Inflammation: This is the body's response to injury or infection, which can cause tissues to become hardened or stiff.
• Scar tissue: This is a thick, fibrous tissue that replaces normal tissue after an injury. It is less flexible than normal tissue, which can lead to induration.
• Tumor: This is an abnormal growth of cells, which can cause a hard, palpable mass.

Diagnosis

The diagnosis of induration often involves a physical examination, where the doctor will palpate (feel) the area to determine its hardness. Other diagnostic tests may include:

• Biopsy: This involves taking a small sample of tissue from the indurated area to be examined under a microscope.
• Imaging tests: These may include X-rays, CT scans, or MRI scans to visualize the indurated area.

Treatment

The treatment for induration depends on the underlying cause. This may include:

• Anti-inflammatory medications: These can help to reduce inflammation and soften the indurated area.
• Surgery: In some cases, surgical removal of the indurated tissue may be necessary.
• Radiation therapy or chemotherapy: These treatments may be used if the induration is caused by a tumor.

See also

• Inflammation
• Scar tissue
• Tumor
• Biopsy
• Imaging tests
• Anti-inflammatory medications
• Surgery
• Radiation therapy
• Chemotherapy

Induration Resources
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