What distinguishes a liquefactive necrosis from other types of necrosis?

Liquefactive necrosis is characterized primarily by the transformation of affected tissue into a liquid mass, typically due to the action of lysosomal enzymes. This process results in the tissue losing its structure and becoming a viscous, pus-like substance. This distinguishing feature sets liquefactive necrosis apart from other types of necrosis.

In contrast, coagulative necrosis, for instance, involves coagulated proteins and the preservation of the basic tissue architecture although the cells are dead. The presence of coagulated proteins, which occurs in coagulative necrosis, does not apply to liquefactive necrosis.

While the formation of pus can occur in liquefactive necrosis, the key distinguishing aspect is the actual loss of tissue that leads to a liquid mass, rather than the presence of pus itself, which can also occur in other contexts. Additionally, color changes, like a shift to black, are not specific indicators of liquefactive necrosis and can be seen in other conditions or types of necrosis.

Therefore, the defining feature of liquefactive necrosis is indeed the transformation of solid tissues into a liquid state, which is the hallmark of this particular necrosis type.