What term describes the non-specific swelling of tissue?

Phlegmon is the term that accurately describes the non-specific swelling of tissue. This condition involves an acute inflammatory process that can occur in response to infection or injury, and it is characterized by the infiltration of leukocytes and the accumulation of fluid, leading to swelling in the affected area. Phlegmon is often found in connective tissues and can be associated with different pathogens or conditions, but it does not point to a specific etiology or anatomical site, making it a non-specific term for tissue swelling.

Granuloma refers to a specific type of inflammation that results in the formation of a localized aggregate of macrophages that transform into epithelioid cells, often indicating chronic inflammation or an immune response to persistent irritants. An ulcer describes a breach in the continuity of an epithelial surface, often as a result of necrosis or erosion, while a pustule is a small, pus-filled blister or lesion on the skin. None of these terms effectively convey the broad concept of non-specific tissue swelling like phlegmon does.