EPIGNATHUS Meaning and
Definition
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Epignathus is a medical term used to describe a rare congenital (present from birth) abnormality characterized by a tumor-like mass that forms in the oropharynx or oral cavity of a developing fetus. This condition is known to affect the face, neck, and mouth region of the baby. It is derived from the Greek words "epi" meaning "on" or "upon," and "gnathos" meaning "jaw."
The epignathus tumor typically arises from an abnormal overgrowth of tissues that include various components such as teeth, cartilage, bone, muscle, fat, and nerves. This growth can often reach substantial sizes and cause notable deformity in the affected area. Due to its location, it may interfere with breathing, swallowing, or other essential functions, posing risks to both fetal and maternal health.
Epignathus is usually identified through prenatal ultrasound examinations, which reveal the presence of a large mass or abnormality within the fetus' oral cavity. However, further diagnostic tests, such as MRI imaging or genetic analysis, may be required for a more accurate evaluation and to rule out associated conditions.
Treatment of epignathus often necessitates a multidisciplinary approach involving specialized teams of medical experts, including obstetricians, pediatric surgeons, neonatologists, and anesthesiologists. The nature of treatment predominantly depends on the size, location, and potential complications associated with the tumor. Options may range from watchful waiting with close monitoring to surgical intervention, which may be performed during pregnancy or shortly after birth.
Despite its rarity, early detection and comprehensive management of epignathus can significantly improve the clinical outcomes and prognosis for both the affected infant and mother.
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An incomplete parasitic monster attached to the mandible of the autosite.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for EPIGNATHUS
- epignathous
- wpignathus
- spignathus
- dpignathus
- rpignathus
- 4pignathus
- 3pignathus
- eoignathus
- elignathus
- e-ignathus
- e0ignathus
- epugnathus
- epjgnathus
- epkgnathus
- epognathus
- ep9gnathus
- ep8gnathus
- epifnathus
- epivnathus
- epibnathus
Etymology of EPIGNATHUS
The word "epignathus" is a medical term derived from Greek. It is composed of two parts: "epi", meaning "upon" or "over", and "gnathos", meaning "jaw" or "mandible".
In medical terminology, "gnath" or "gnatho-" is commonly used to refer to the jawbone or mandible. The prefix "epi-" in this context suggests that the anomaly or condition is upon or over the jaw or mandible.
Therefore, "epignathus" refers to a rare congenital condition where a mass or tumor grows on the jaw, typically resembling a face with various facial structures such as eyes, mouth, and even teeth.
Similar spelling words for EPIGNATHUS
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