What type of granulomas are seen in berylliosis or sarcoidosis?

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In both berylliosis and sarcoidosis, the characteristic granulomas are non-necrotizing and non-caseating. These types of granulomas are formed by a collection of macrophages that have transformed into epithelioid cells, as well as multinucleated giant cells, surrounded by a rim of lymphocytes.

This specific presentation is crucial in distinguishing these conditions from others that may exhibit necrotizing granulomas, such as tuberculosis. In sarcoidosis, the formation of these granulomas is believed to be a response to an unknown antigen, leading to a chronic inflammatory response, which is typical of non-caseating granulomas.

In berylliosis, the inhalation of beryllium triggers a similar immune response, resulting in the formation of non-caseating granulomas in the lungs and sometimes other organs. Therefore, recognizing that granulomas in these conditions lack necrosis and caseation helps in accurate diagnosis and treatment planning, highlighting the importance of proper classification in clinical pathology.

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