COLD ABSCESS Meaning and
Definition
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A cold abscess is a localized collection of pus that develops in the body due to a chronic infection. Unlike a typical abscess which is characterized by redness, warmth, pain, and swelling, a cold abscess does not exhibit these typical signs of inflammation.
The term "cold" in cold abscess refers to the absence of warmth and redness associated with inflammation, distinguishing it from a typical abscess. This type of abscess develops gradually over a long period of time and is often painless, making it difficult to detect early on.
Cold abscesses commonly occur in the lymph nodes, bones, and joints, but can also develop in various organs such as the liver, lungs, and spleen. They are usually caused by persistent bacterial or fungal infections, such as tuberculosis or actinomycosis.
Symptoms of a cold abscess may include a slowly enlarging mass, mild tenderness on palpation, and, in some cases, fatigue, night sweats, and weight loss, which are associated with the underlying infection.
Diagnosis of a cold abscess typically involves imaging techniques, such as ultrasound or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), to visualize the abscess and determine its location and extent. Treatment involves addressing the underlying infection through antibiotic or antifungal therapy, sometimes accompanied by drainage or surgical intervention to remove the pus. Prompt treatment is necessary to prevent further spread of infection and potential complications.
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A collection of pus occurring without local heat or other signs of inflammation, commonly of tuberculous origin.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for COLD ABSCESS
- cold abscgss
- cold absce3s
- cold abscecs
- cold absceqs
- cold abscers
- cold absces3
- cold abscesc
- cold abscesq
- cold abscesr
- c old abscess
- co ld abscess
- col d abscess
- cold a bscess
- cold ab scess
- cold abs cess
- cold absc ess
- cold absce ss
- cold absces s
Etymology of COLD ABSCESS
The etymology of the term cold abscess can be understood by breaking down its components.
The word abscess comes from the Latin word abscessus, which means a going away or a departure. In medical language, an abscess refers to a localized collection of pus that results from an infection.
The term cold in this context refers to the absence of heat or inflammation. Unlike a typical abscess, which is typically warm, painful, and inflamed, a cold abscess presents itself as a painless, fluctuant swelling without the usual accompanying signs of inflammation.
Therefore, in the case of a cold abscess, the term implies the absence of the usual signs of inflammation associated with abscesses, leading to the descriptive term cold abscess.
