phlegmon

A phlegmon is a localized area of acute inflammation of the soft tissues. It is a descriptive term which may be used for inflammation related to a bacterial infection or non-infectious causes (e.g. pancreatitis). Most commonly, it is used in contradistinction to a "walled-off" pus-filled collection (abscess). A phlegmon is inherently dangerous due to its diffuse, uncontained nature; if left untreated, it may either be successfully localized by the immune system to form an abscess, or it may rapidly spread and lead to extensive tissue destruction (necrosis), gangrene, and life-threatening systemic infection (sepsis). A phlegmon can localize anywhere in the body. The Latin term phlegmōn is from Ancient Greek φλέγω (phlégō) 'burn'.

==Signs and symptoms== As with any form of inflammation, phlegmon presents with inflammatory signs dolor (localized pain), calor (increase local tissue temperature), rubor (skin redness/hyperemia), tumor (either clear or non-clear bordered tissue swelling), functio laesa (diminish affected function). There may be systemic signs of infection, such as fever, general fatigue, chills, sweating, headache, loss of appetite.