granuloma /gran′yo͝olō″mə/ pl. granulomas, granulomata [L, granulum + Gk, oma, tumor] , a chronic inflammatory lesion most commonly caused by histoplasmosis, a fungal infection. It is characterized by an accumulation of macrophages; epithelioid macrophages, with or without lymphocytes; and giant cells into a single, discrete enlarged mass. Granulomas most often occur in the lungs. They may resolve spontaneously, remain static, become gangrenous, spread, or act as a focus of infection. Treatment depends on the cause and probable course of the particular granuloma.
