Abscess
An abscess is collection of dead neutrophils or pus that has build up in a opening created by the tissue on the base of an infectious process (generally caused due to bacterial infection) or other foreign resources like cracks, bullet wounds, or injecting needles. It is a self-protective reaction of the tissue to avoid the spread of infectious resources to other parts of the body. Or in other words an abscess is a restricted collection of pus in any fraction of the body that is enclosed by swelling.
The organisms or foreign resources destroy the local cells, resulting in the discharge of cytokines. The cytokines activate an inflammatory reaction, which draws huge numbers of white blood cells (WBC) to that particular region and boost up the regional blood flow. The final state of abscess is an abscess barrier, or shell, that is created by the neighbouring healthy cells. It is an effort to keep the infected pus away from healthy neighbouring cell. Abscesses must be distinguished from emphysemas, which are gathering of pus in a pre-existing cavity rather than a recently shaped anatomical cavity.
An abscess is hollow space hold pus and enclosed by inflamed tissue, developed as an outcome of a localized infection. An abscess may expand, enlarge or subside, depending on the resource of infection. Abscesses may build up in any body organ and also in the soft tissues under the skin area. General areas include the gums, breast, and perirectal area. Uncommon areas include the brain and the liver. Specific kind of abscesses: Anorectal abscess, Amebic Liver abscess, Bartholin’s abscess, Peritonsillar abscess, Epidural abscess, skin abscess, Pyogenic liver abscess, Spinal cord abscess, Subcutaneous abscess, and Tooth abscess.
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