It occurs when too little blood flows to the tissue. This can be from injury, radiation, or chemicals. Necrosis cannot be reversed. When large areas of tissue die due to a lack of blood supply, the condition is called gangrene.

How does necrosis start?

Necrosis is caused by a lack of blood and oxygen to the tissue. It may be triggered by chemicals, cold, trauma, radiation or chronic conditions that impair blood flow. 1 There are many types of necrosis, as it can affect many areas of the body, including bone, skin, organs and other tissues.

When do cells undergo necrosis?

Necrosis is a form of cell injury defined as unregulated cell death resulting from internal or external stresses such as mechanistic injuries, chemical agents, or pathogens. The process is usually rapid and leads to cell swelling (oncosis) and bursting due to loss of osmotic pressure (Table 1).