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Necrosis

• Overview

Definition:

Necrosis means death of tissue in the body. This happens when not enough blood is supplied to the tissue, whether from injury, radiation, or chemicals. Necrosis is not reversible.

When substantial areas of tissue die due to a lack of blood supply, the condition is called gangrene .

• Review Date: 8/8/2005
• Reviewed By: Frank A. Greco, M.D., Ph.D., Director, Biophysical Laboratory, The Lahey Clinic, Burlington, MA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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