HEPATOMA Meaning and
Definition
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Hepatoma is a term derived from the words "hepato-" meaning liver, and "-oma" meaning tumor, collectively referring to a malignant tumor originating from liver cells or hepatocytes. It is a primary liver cancer, also known as hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), characterized by the aggressive and uncontrolled growth of abnormal liver cells.
Hepatomas typically develop in individuals with underlying liver diseases, such as viral hepatitis B or C, alcoholic liver disease, cirrhosis, or genetic conditions like hereditary hemochromatosis. The cancerous cells invade and destroy healthy liver tissue, impairing liver functions and potentially spreading to other organs or tissues in advanced stages.
Symptoms of hepatoma may vary and commonly include weight loss, abdominal pain, swelling or fluid buildup in the abdomen, yellowing of the skin and eyes (jaundice), fatigue, loss of appetite, and a general feeling of malaise. However, these symptoms may not manifest until the disease has progressed significantly.
Diagnosis of hepatoma usually involves a combination of medical history review, physical examination, blood tests to assess liver function and detect tumor markers, imaging techniques like ultrasound, computed tomography (CT), or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans, and ultimately, a liver biopsy to confirm the presence of cancer cells.
Treatment options for hepatoma depend on the stage of the disease, the patient's overall health, and the tumor size and location. They may involve surgical resection or liver transplantation, ablation therapy, radiation therapy, targeted drug therapy, or chemotherapy. Regular follow-ups and screenings are crucial to monitor the cancer's progression and optimize treatment outcomes.
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A tumor, especially one of beginning malignancy, of the liver.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for HEPATOMA
- hepavoma
- hepauoma
- hepatgma
- hepatmma
- hepatnma
- hepato-a
- hepatoea
- hepatoia
- hepatooa
- hepatola
- hepatomi
- hepatome
- hepatomc
- hepatwoma
- h epatoma
- hepa toma
- hepat oma
- hepato ma
- hepatom a
Etymology of HEPATOMA
The word "hepatoma" is a medical term used to describe a malignant tumor of the liver, more commonly known as liver cancer.
The word is derived from two roots: "hepato-" and "-oma".
- "Hepato-" is derived from the Greek word "hepar", meaning liver. This root is also seen in other medical terms related to the liver, such as "hepatitis" (inflammation of the liver) and "hepatology" (the study of liver diseases).
- "-oma" is derived from the Greek word "oma", meaning tumor or growth. This root is commonly used in medical terms to indicate a benign or malignant tumor in various parts of the body.
So, combining the two roots, "hepatoma" literally means a tumor of the liver.
Similar spelling words for HEPATOMA
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