Have you ever heard the word ``necrosis''? Maybe you heard it from a doctor, or you read it somewhere. Simply put, it means the death of cells in our body. It can be a bit scary to hear, but once you understand it, it can explain a lot. Let's see what it is.
What exactly is necrosis?
Simply put, necrosis is the death of cells in your body's tissues. This can happen for many reasons. Sometimes it can be caused by an injury, an infection, or some kind of disease. It can also be caused by a lack of blood flow to the tissues, or by things like extreme cold or heat in the environment. One thing to remember is that while dead tissue can be removed, it cannot be restored.
What are the different patterns seen in necrosis?
When cells in your body die due to necrosis, they appear in a variety of patterns and appearances. These dead cells can be seen in six main ways. Let's take a look at what they are:
1. Coagulative necrosis
What happens is that the dead cells remain hard and appear normal for days, as if nothing had happened. This can happen if there is reduced blood flow or lack of oxygen to any part of your body except your brain.
2. Liquefactive necrosis
In this, the dead cells dissolve within a few hours, either completely or partially. They then turn into a thick, sticky liquid. Sometimes they can appear yellow, because pus is forming. Infection and lack of oxygen to the brain are the main causes of this.
3. Fat necrosis
In this, enzymes are released from damaged cells, which turn the cells into a liquid. These liquid cells combine with calcium to form chalky white deposits. Acute pancreatitis is the main cause of this. It can also be seen in breast tissue.
4. Caseous necrosis
In this, the dead cells appear white and flaky. They are called cheese-like - the word `caseous` means `cheese-like'. This is especially seen in the lung infection `Tuberculosis` .
5. Fibrinoid necrosis
In this, dead cells appear pink and irregular. This is because plasma proteins (fibrins) leak from your blood vessels. This can happen if your blood vessels are damaged, either due to an autoimmune disease or an infection.
6. Gangrenous necrosis
In this case, your skin turns black and starts to rot. This can happen if the blood supply to your legs is cut off. Sometimes it can also affect your hands and fingers.
What are the different types of necrosis?
Necrosis can affect many different parts of your body. Bones, skin, and internal organs are just a few of them. Let's take a look at the different types:
Avascular necrosis or osteonecrosis
This has many names. Osteonecrosis, aseptic necrosis, and bone necrosis are all common names for this. This happens when the blood supply to the bone tissue stops. Then the bone gradually breaks down and dies. Hip necrosis is the most common type of this.
Osteonecrosis of the jaw (ONJ)
This is also a type of avascular necrosis. This oral disease is caused by the death of cells in the jawbone. This can cause severe pain in the mouth and jaw. It can also cause pus to seep from the mouth and jaw.
Pancreatic necrosis
This is a serious complication of acute pancreatitis. If the blood supply to the pancreas is cut off, pancreatic tissue can die. If that happens, the pancreas can become infected. The infection can spread to the bloodstream (sepsis) and cause organ failure.
Fat necrosis of the breast
This is a benign condition. It can occur when the fatty tissue in the breast is damaged. Usually, scar tissue forms in place of the damaged breast tissue. However, in this case, some of the fat cells die instead of forming scar tissue. Then, an oily fluid-filled lump (an `oil cyst`) forms.
Acute tubular necrosis (ATN)
This is a disease of the kidneys. Acute kidney failure can occur when the tubule cells in your kidneys become damaged. These tubules are tiny tube-like structures that help filter blood as it passes through the kidneys.
Radiation necrosis
This is a rare side effect of high-dose radiation therapy to the brain, head, and neck. It can cause permanent brain tissue death.
Renal papillary necrosis
This is also a kidney disease. It occurs when parts of the kidneys called the renal papillae die. The renal papillae are the openings in the tubes that enter the kidneys and carry urine to the bladder.
Skin necrosis or gangrene
This occurs when blood flow to body tissues or internal organs is cut off. It can also be caused by a bacterial infection. It most commonly affects the fingers, toes, hands, and feet, but it can affect any part of the body.
Spider bite necrosis
This can happen when bitten by certain types of spiders (e.g., the Recluse spider). The venom of these spiders can cause a wound that rots the skin. However, necrosis from a spider bite is rare.
Pulp necrosis
This happens when the soft tissue (`pulp`) inside a tooth dies. Inside every tooth is a chamber containing small pieces of flesh. Inside those chambers are blood vessels and nerves. If a tooth is injured or decayed, that pulp can become infected and die.
What is the difference between Apoptosis and Necrosis?
Apoptosis and necrosis are both ways that cells die.
- Apoptosis is a normal, healthy way for cells to die. They die naturally to maintain the balance of cells in the body. Apoptosis is essential for the body to function normally. It rarely requires treatment.
- Necrosis is the sudden death of cells, either internal or external to the body. It can be caused by diseases, infections, or injuries. These conditions damage the cell walls, preventing them from functioning properly. Necrosis usually requires treatment.
Think of it this way: Apoptosis is like the planned demolition of an old building. But Necrosis is like the collapse of a building in an accident.
What is Tumor Necrosis Factor (TNF)?
Tumor Necrosis Factor (TNF) is a protein that your body's immune system uses to fight infection. When certain white blood cells become infected, they release TNF, signaling other immune cells to fight the infection. Inflammation occurs and the cells begin to fight the infection. TNF has also been found to be able to cause necrosis in some types of cancer cells. This is being studied further in the treatment of some types of cancer.
What are the symptoms of necrosis after filler injections?
Dermal fillers, especially hyaluronic acid injections, are minor cosmetic procedures that are used to plump and plump up the skin. Although they are commonly used, complications are rare. However, in some cases, necrosis has occurred. Symptoms of necrosis can occur immediately or several hours after a filler is injected. These symptoms include:
- Feeling more pain and discomfort than expected after treatment.
- Feeling intense pain when touched.
- Skin turning pale (blanching).
- Red spots on the skin.
- Skin turning blue or purple .
If you have one or more of these symptoms, it is very important to seek medical advice immediately.
So, what should we learn from this? (Take-Home Message)
Necrosis is the medical term for the death of tissue in your body. It can have many causes. Also, the severity and treatment of different types of necrosis vary. Although some cases of necrosis can resolve on their own, you should definitely see a doctor if you experience any symptoms of necrosis. Because some types of necrosis require immediate treatment. A doctor can diagnose your condition and prescribe the necessary treatment. Therefore, do not take anything lightly, and if you feel any discomfort, see a doctor immediately.
` Necrosis, cell death, tissue death, gangrene, blood supply, infection
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