Chorioangioma is a medical term used to describe a noncancerous tumor that develops in the placenta of a developing baby. Its spelling can be quite tricky. Let's break it down phonetically: /kɔːriəʊæn(d)ʒiːəʊmə/. The first syllable "chorio" is pronounced like "core-ee-oh," while the second syllable "an" is pronounced like "an." The third syllable "gioma" is pronounced like "jee-oh-muh." The silent "d" in parentheses after "an" is optional and may or may not be pronounced. Remembering these sounds can help correctly spell and pronounce the word chorioangioma.
Chorioangioma is a medical term that refers to a benign tumor or growth that develops in the placenta during pregnancy. It is a rare condition, occurring in less than 1% of pregnancies. A chorioangioma is formed by an overgrowth of blood vessels within the placenta, which is the organ responsible for supplying oxygen and nutrients to the growing fetus.
This growth typically appears as a red or purple mass on the surface of the placenta, resembling a small grape-like structure. It can vary in size from a few millimeters to several centimeters in diameter. Chorioangiomas are considered to be noncancerous and do not usually pose significant health risks to the mother or the baby.
Although most chorioangiomas are asymptomatic and go unnoticed, they can sometimes lead to complications. Large chorioangiomas may interfere with the normal functioning of the placenta, potentially leading to fetal distress, growth restriction, or preterm delivery. In rare cases, they may cause high blood pressure or heart failure in the mother.
The diagnosis of a chorioangioma is typically made through ultrasound imaging during routine prenatal care. Treatment options for chorioangiomas depend on their size and associated complications. In some cases, careful monitoring may be sufficient, while in others, more invasive interventions such as blood transfusions to the fetus or surgical removal of the growth may be necessary.
Overall, chorioangiomas are a relatively uncommon condition that requires close monitoring and management during pregnancy to ensure the well-being of both the mother and the baby.
The word "chorioangioma" is derived from two Greek roots:
1. "Chorion" (χορίον): This refers to the outermost membrane that surrounds the fetus and the placenta during pregnancy.
2. "Angioma" (ἀγγεῖον): This refers to a benign tumor or growth that occurs in blood vessels or lymphatic vessels.
Therefore, "chorioangioma" essentially means a tumor or growth that develops in the blood vessels of the chorion.