foreign body giant cell

Last reviewed 01/2018

A foreign body giant cell is a very large cell formed by the fusion of multiple macrophages, typically epitheloid cells.

The stimulus for fusion is a foreign particle that is too large for phagocytosis by one macrophage or has mechanisms to negate phagocytosis and killing mechanisms.

The giant cell exhibits multiple nuclei, often arranged in the periphery of the cell, and can measure up to 60 micrometres in diameter.

Foreign body giant cells are found at the core of granulomas produced by granulomatous inflammation.