Cavernous angioma is a medical condition characterized by abnormal blood vessels in the brain or spinal cord. The spelling of this term reflects its pronunciation, which is /kævərnəs ˈændʒiəmə/. The first part, "cavernous," is pronounced with stress on the second syllable and features a short "a" sound in both syllables. The second part, "angioma," is pronounced with stress on the first syllable, a long "a" sound in the second syllable, and a schwa sound in the final syllable. This spelling helps medical professionals accurately communicate information about the condition to each other and to patients.
Cavernous angioma, also known as cavernous malformation or cavernoma, is a medical condition characterized by the presence of abnormal blood vessels in the brain or spinal cord. It is a type of vascular malformation that typically appears as a cluster of dilated and irregularly shaped blood vessels, resembling a small, mulberry-like structure.
These abnormal blood vessels, or caverns, can range in size and are filled with stagnant blood. Unlike normal blood vessels, cavernous angiomas do not have smooth muscle or elastic layers, making them prone to leakage and bleeding. The exact cause of cavernous angioma is still not fully understood, but it is believed to be a result of a developmental abnormality in the early stages of blood vessel formation.
Cavernous angiomas can occur sporadically, meaning they develop without a known cause, or they can be inherited. Inherited cases are associated with certain genetic mutations and can be passed down through generations.
Symptoms of cavernous angioma can vary depending on the size, location, and extent of the malformation. Common symptoms may include seizures, headaches, neurological deficits, such as weakness or difficulty speaking, and hemorrhages resulting from bleeding within the cavernoma.
Diagnosis of cavernous angioma typically involves imaging techniques such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or computed tomography (CT). Treatment options may include surgical removal of the malformation, if appropriate and feasible, or monitoring the condition and managing symptoms.
In summary, cavernous angioma is a medical condition characterized by abnormal blood vessels in the brain or spinal cord that can cause a variety of symptoms and potentially lead to bleeding in the affected area.
A vascular tumor consisting of many large spaces, filled with blood, and freely intercommunicating.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The word "cavernous angioma" has its etymology rooted in the field of medicine. It can be broken down as follows:
1. Cavernous: The term "cavernous" originates from the Latin word "caverna" meaning "cave" or "hollow". In medical terminology, "cavernous" is used to describe a structure that resembles a cave or has a similar hollow appearance. It refers to a particular type of vascular abnormality that appears as a collection of blood vessels forming a "cavernous" lesion.
2. Angioma: The term "angioma" is derived from the Greek words "angeion" meaning "vessel" and "oma" indicating a mass or tumor. In medical terminology, an "angioma" refers to a condition involving abnormal growth or malformation of blood vessels.