Necrosis

Necrosis is the premature death of cells or living tissue. It results from factors external to the cell or tissue, such as infection, toxins, or trauma, causing cellular damage and leading to inflammation and disintegration. Unlike apoptosis (programmed cell death), necrosis is often uncontrolled and can affect a larger area of tissue, triggering an inflammatory response in the surrounding healthy cells. The process involves cellular swelling, membrane disruption, and the release of intracellular contents, leading to cell lysis and eventually, removal of the dead cells by phagocytes. The type of necrosis is often categorized based on the appearance of the affected tissue.

Necrosis meaning with examples

• The patient's foot showed signs of gangrenous necrosis due to poor circulation, resulting from their diabetes. This required immediate medical intervention to prevent the spread of infection and tissue death. The doctors were discussing the potential for amputation if the necrosis worsened, as the tissue was irreversibly damaged and would not heal without intervention, leading to the development of other complications.
• Following the severe burn, the affected skin underwent necrosis. The burn was so severe that it destroyed the skin's ability to regenerate leading to the formation of scar tissue. The treatment involved debridement to remove the necrotic tissue and prevent infection, followed by skin grafting to repair the damaged area of the affected tissue, helping the patient to recover faster.
• The tumor tissue exhibited significant areas of necrosis due to insufficient blood supply. The lack of oxygen and nutrients led to the death of cancer cells within the mass. This characteristic is often studied in biopsies to determine the stage and aggressiveness of the cancer, providing insight into the best course of treatment for the patient.
• Exposure to the strong chemical caused widespread necrosis of the exposed tissue. The chemical directly damaged the cellular structure leading to the death of the cells and inflammation. Rapid irrigation with water and medical treatment were crucial to minimize the damage and prevent further tissue deterioration, preventing long term health issues.