August 1, 2023
Edematous is a term used to describe the accumulation of clear, water-like fluid inside tissue. It is also called edema.
A tissue becomes edematous when a specialized type of fluid called serum leaks out of blood vessels and into the surrounding tissue. Tissue can become edematous as a result of congestive heart failure, liver disease, kidney disease, blood clots in large veins, and medical conditions associated with decreased protein levels in the blood.
More localized edematous changes may be caused by physical trauma, infection, surgery, or radiation therapy. The tissue surrounding a tumour may also become edematous as a result of pressure caused by the tumour.
Doctors wrote this article to help you read and understand your pathology report. Contact us if you have questions about this article or your pathology report. For a complete introduction to your pathology report, read this article.