HEPATOBLASTOMA Meaning and
Definition
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Hepatoblastoma is a rare form of malignant liver cancer that primarily affects children. It originates in the liver's cells, specifically in the hepatoblasts, which are immature liver cells that are necessary for the organ's development. Hepatoblastomas typically occur in children under the age of 5 and are more commonly found in boys than girls.
This type of cancer is characterized by the rapid growth of abnormal cells in the liver, forming a tumor. The exact cause of hepatoblastoma is unknown, but there are certain risk factors that may increase a child's chances of developing the condition, such as having a genetic disorder like Beckwith-Wiedemann syndrome or familial adenomatous polyposis.
Symptoms of hepatoblastoma can vary, but they often include a swollen abdomen, weight loss, loss of appetite, fatigue, and anemia. The diagnosis of hepatoblastoma is typically confirmed through imaging tests, such as ultrasounds, CT scans, and MRIs, followed by a biopsy to analyze the tumor cells.
Treatment for hepatoblastoma usually involves surgery to remove the tumor, followed by a combination of chemotherapy and radiation therapy to eradicate any remaining cancer cells. The prognosis for hepatoblastoma depends on various factors, including the stage of the cancer at diagnosis, the size and location of the tumor, and the child's overall health.
Regular follow-up care is crucial for children who have been treated for hepatoblastoma, as there is a risk of recurrence and the potential development of long-term side effects. Ongoing monitoring and support from medical professionals are essential to ensure the best possible outcome for these young patients.
Common Misspellings for HEPATOBLASTOMA
- gepatoblastoma
- bepatoblastoma
- nepatoblastoma
- jepatoblastoma
- uepatoblastoma
- yepatoblastoma
- hwpatoblastoma
- hspatoblastoma
- hdpatoblastoma
- hrpatoblastoma
- h4patoblastoma
- h3patoblastoma
- heoatoblastoma
- helatoblastoma
- he-atoblastoma
- he0atoblastoma
- hepztoblastoma
- hepstoblastoma
- hepwtoblastoma
- hepqtoblastoma
Etymology of HEPATOBLASTOMA
The word "hepatoblastoma" has two components:
1. "Hepato-" is derived from the Greek word "hepar" meaning "liver".
2. "-blastoma" is derived from the Greek word "blastos", which means "germ" or "bud", and "-oma", a suffix used to indicate a tumor or a swelling.
Therefore, "hepatoblastoma" is a combination of "hepato" meaning "liver" and "-blastoma" meaning "germ cell tumor", referring to a specific type of liver cancer that occurs in early childhood.
