What are the characteristics of necrosis?

Necrosis is an unprogrammed, irreversible process of cell death. Necrosis occurs after there is an internal or external stress such as mechanical injuries, chemical agents, or pathogens. The dysfunction of the plasma membrane in necrotic cells generates a swelling and rupture of the cytoplasm. Necrosis involves a loss of plasma membrane integrity and a decrease of cellular ATP. There is a swelling of the mitochondria, nucleus, and ER, followed by lysis of the cell. The spillage of intracellular contents into nearby tissue leads to tissue damage and inflammation.