circumscribed abscess [L, circum, around, scribere, to draw, abscedere, to go away] , an accumulation of pustular material separated from surrounding tissues by a wall of fibroblasts. Often difficult to treat, it may be drained or aspirated using the technique of needle aspiration. Antibiotic therapy is usually indicated. Kinds include peritonsillar abscess, appendicular abscess, lung abscess, Brodie’s abscess.
