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February 10, 2012
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Wegener's Granulomatosis

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Wegener's Granulomatosis Overview

Wegener's granulomatosis (WG) is a rare disease in which blood vessels become inflamed (a condition called vasculitis) and localized, nodular collections of abnormal inflammatory cells, known as granulomas, are found in affected tissues. Granulomatosis is the term that refers to the presence of granulomas. The inflammation can affect various parts of the body, such as the respiratory tract (nose, sinuses, windpipe, and lungs) and the kidneys. When blood vessels become inflamed, blood flow to the organs is disrupted, which can damage the organs. The condition is named after Friedrich Wegener, who identified the illness in the 1930s.

Wegener's granulomatosis is rare, and its exact frequency is difficult to determine. According to the Wegener's Granulomatosis Association, the condition affects one in every 30,000-50,000 people. The disease can affect anyone at any age. However, it affects white people in their 30s and 40s most often. African Americans account for only 2-3% of those affected by Wegener's granulomatosis.

With proper diagnosis and treatment, the disease can be slowed or stopped.

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Wegener Granulomatosis

Skin Biopsy Introduction

Your doctor may want to obtain a sample of skin in order to diagnose diseases of the skin, such as those caused by bacteria, fungi, or other chronic skin conditions. This procedure is called a skin biopsy.

A biopsy of a lesion of the skin, such as in mole removal or tumor removal, can help your doctor tell the difference between a skin cancer and a benign, or noncancerous, lesion. The skin sample obtained during a biopsy is sent to a laboratory for examination under a microscope.

How the procedure is performed

  • In an excision biopsy, the entire area of suspect skin is cut out. Excision biopsy is normally done with a scalpel. Stitches are used to close the incision.

  • In a punch biopsy, a sharp cookie cutter -like instrument is used to remove a small cylinder of skin. Sometimes stitches are necessary to close this type of biopsy wound.

  • The outermost p...
  • Read the Skin Biopsy article »


Read What Your Physician is Reading on Medscape

Wegener Granulomatosis »

Wegener granulomatosis (WG) is a multisystem disease characterized by necrotizing granuloma of the upper and lower respiratory tracts, disseminated vasculitis, and glomerulonephritis.

Read More on Medscape Reference »

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