A rheumatoid nodule is a firm feeling swelling or lump which occurs within 2 years in about 5% of people once they are diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis. And about 25% of RA victims wil get them at some time during their lives. It is very unusual for 'rheumatoid nodules to appear if not accompanied with Arthritis. They are usually subcutaneous ( under the skin) especially over bony prominences such as the tip of the elbow or over the knuckles. they can also appear in the lining of the lungs as well as other organs. Sizes of Nodules vary from that of about a pea to that of a small orange. Quite often they are associated with synovial pockets or bursae. Generally rheumatoid nodules are not painful or in any way disabling, Unless they are on a place where there is a lot of contact such as on the back of the arm under the elbow where people tend to rest their arms when doing desk work an similar situations. Other then that they are just not very attractive. In isolated cases they can appear on parts of the body such as the upper eyelid, distal region of soles, vulva and internally in the gallbladder, lung, heart valves, larynx and spine.
Rheumatoid nodules consist of a shell of fibrous tissue surrounding a centre of fibrinoid necrosis. Pea sized nodules have one centre. Larger nodules tend to be multilocular, with many separate shells or with connections between the necrotic centres. Individual necrotic centres may contain a cleft or several centres of necrosis may all open on to a large bursal pocket containing synovial fluid. The boundary between the necrotic centre and the outer fibrous shell is made up of the characteristic feature of the nodule, which is known as a cellular palisade. The palisade is a densely packed layer of macrophages and fibroblasts which tend to be arranged radially, like the seeds of a kiwi fruit or fig. Further out into the fibrous shell there is a zone that contains T lymphocytes and plasma cells in association with blood vessels. The overall histological picture is essentially identical to that of rheumatoid synovitis with the main differences being that the palisade replaces the synovial intima (they may blend imperceptibly in bursae) and an almost total absence of B lymphocytes.(Sourced from Wikipedia)
You can find information on Rheumatoid nodules online at the WebMD website. Once on the page, type "Rheumatoid Nodules" into the search field at the top of the page and press enter to bring up the information.
Unlikely as they usually appear near bones.
Rheumatoid arthritis nodules can appear any where on your body however I have not been able to find reference to the palm of the hand.
No that is more in the realm of Rheumatoid arthritis. If you are getting nodules you must be having a pretty serious flare, You should seek advice to get it under control as quickly as possible.
Yes it can as a mater of fact I had a problem with one about 2 inches below the elbow just where I put my arm when I type. Luckily it has just about disappeared now.
You can find information on Rheumatoid nodules online at the WebMD website. Once on the page, type "Rheumatoid Nodules" into the search field at the top of the page and press enter to bring up the information.
Swelling and twisting around joints, and rheumatoid nodules under the skin
Unlikely as they usually appear near bones.
No they are just uncomfortable and usualy disapear over time.
Nodules can happen in about 30% of RA Cases. these can either be sore or not.I did a bit of a search on this and found that quite a few people with lupus problems do have problems with nodules. And that they are often described as Rheumatoid nodules. However I also found some info on (Papulonodular mucinosis in systemic lupus erythematosus) To which There is a link in the related links below. Also see the link to ("Rheumatoid" Nodules in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus)
Rheumatoid arthritis nodules can appear any where on your body however I have not been able to find reference to the palm of the hand.
No that is more in the realm of Rheumatoid arthritis. If you are getting nodules you must be having a pretty serious flare, You should seek advice to get it under control as quickly as possible.
Rheumatoid Vasculitis is most likely to occur in people that have suffered from severe RA for at 10 years.Rheumatoid Vasculitis (RV) happens with of longstanding, severe rheumatoid arthritis. The active vasculitis associated with rheumatoid disease occurs in about 1% of this patient population.People with vasculitis usually have many joints with pain and swelling, rheumatoid nodules, high concentrations of rheumatoid factor.
Rheumatoid nodules can be removed, however they are just as likely to return as not. I personally have had them form and then disappear again. the best thing to do is not put hard pressure on them and just continue with your normal treatments for RA. if you have them on the arm where it rests on the table for example use a cushion to nurse it. usually they disappear again.
In the case of inflammatory arthritis like Rheumatoid arthritis Deformities may develop around joints That are very easy to spot. Rheumatoid nodules (hard lumps under the skin can also be seen on some occasion's.
Yes, primary nodules don't have germinal centers(active B cells) while secondary nodules do.
rheumatoid arthritis; relapsing polychondritis (connective-tissue inflammation); Wegener's granulomatosis, a rare condition characterized by kidney disease and development of nodules in the respiratory tract