CARCINOMATOSIS Meaning and
Definition
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Carcinomatosis is a medical term that refers to the widespread dissemination or spread of cancerous cells or tumors throughout the body, typically through the lymphatic or circulatory system. It is a condition often associated with advanced stages of cancer.
Carcinomatosis occurs when cancer cells detach from the primary tumor and invade surrounding tissues or organs, infiltrating the bloodstream or lymphatic vessels. These disseminated cells or clusters of cancer cells, known as metastases, can travel to distant sites in the body, leading to the development of secondary tumors.
Manifestations of carcinomatosis can differ depending on the location of the primary tumor and the organs affected by metastasis. Common symptoms may include pain, weight loss, fatigue, and disruption of normal organ function. Diagnostic tools such as imaging techniques (e.g., CT scans, MRI) and histopathological analysis can aid in identifying the presence of carcinomatosis.
Treatment options for carcinomatosis are typically aimed at palliative care, focusing on relieving symptoms and improving the patient's quality of life. Management approaches may include pain control, therapy to alleviate associated complications (e.g., ascites, pleural effusion), and supportive care to address individual patient needs.
Carcinomatosis can greatly impact a patient's prognosis, as the widespread dissemination of cancer cells often indicates an advanced stage of disease. Therefore, timely diagnosis and appropriate treatment are crucial in managing this condition and providing the most effective care for cancer patients.
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The occurrence of multiple carcinomata; carcinosis.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for CARCINOMATOSIS
Etymology of CARCINOMATOSIS
The word "carcinomatosis" is derived from two root words: "carcinoma" and "-osis".
"Carcinoma" comes from the Greek word "karkinoma", which is a combination of "karkinos" (meaning "crab") and "-oma" (meaning "tumor" or "mass"). In ancient Greece, tumors were often compared to crabs due to their crab-like appearance. "Carcinoma" refers to a type of cancer that starts in the epithelial cells (the cells that line various organs and structures in the body).
"-osis" is a suffix in English that is derived from Greek, and it is used to denote a process, condition, or state. In medical terminology, "-osis" is often used to describe abnormal or diseased conditions.
Similar spelling word for CARCINOMATOSIS
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