Giant cell意思

"Giant cell" is a term used in pathology to describe a large cell that is typically found in the context of certain types of inflammation or neoplastic (cancerous) conditions. The term "giant cell" is somewhat nonspecific and can refer to different types of cells depending on the context. However, it generally implies a cell that is much larger than the average cell of its type.

Here are a few examples of giant cells found in various medical conditions:

  1. Giant cell arteritis (GCA): In this condition, the walls of the arteries, especially those in the head, neck, and upper extremities, become inflamed. The inflammation can lead to the formation of giant cells, which are typically multinucleated and can be seen on histological examination of affected tissue.

  2. Foreign body giant cells: These are found in granulomas, which are nodules formed by the body in response to chronic inflammation, particularly in the presence of a foreign substance that the body cannot eliminate, such as a suture material or a particle of a synthetic implant. The giant cells are part of the body's attempt to wall off and contain the foreign material.

  3. Langhans giant cells: These are a specific type of giant cell found in granulomatous inflammation, such as in tuberculosis or sarcoidosis. They are characterized by a horseshoe-shaped arrangement of nuclei around the periphery of the cell.

  4. Osteoclasts: These are multinucleated giant cells that play a role in bone resorption. They are not typically referred to as "giant cells" in a clinical context but are multinucleated cells that can be very large.

  5. Giant cell tumors of bone: These are benign (non-cancerous) tumors that can cause pain and swelling in the affected area. They are composed of osteoclast-like giant cells and other cells.

The presence of giant cells in a tissue sample can be an important diagnostic clue for pathologists, helping to identify specific diseases or conditions. However, the significance of giant cells can vary widely depending on the context in which they are found.