Lymphadenectomy (/lɪmfədɪˈnɛktəmi/) is a medical procedure in which lymph nodes are surgically removed from the body. The spelling of this word can be dissected using the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA). The first syllable is pronounced as "limf" which represents the stress on the first syllable. The second syllable is pronounced as "də" and the last syllable is pronounced as "nektəmi". This word is derived from the roots "lymph" meaning fluid found in the lymphatic system and "aden" meaning gland.
Lymphadenectomy is a medical procedure that involves the surgical removal of lymph nodes from the body. Lymph nodes are small, bean-shaped structures that are part of the lymphatic system, which plays a crucial role in the immune system. Lymphadenectomy is typically performed to diagnose or treat certain medical conditions.
The procedure can be done through different techniques, such as open surgery or minimally invasive methods. It may be performed under general anesthesia or local anesthesia, depending on the specific case. During the surgery, the surgeon makes incisions near the affected area and carefully removes the surrounding lymph nodes.
Lymphadenectomy is commonly utilized in the treatment of cancer, particularly for staging and determining the extent of disease spread. By removing and examining the lymph nodes, doctors can assess if cancer cells have invaded the lymphatic system, which helps guide treatment decisions. Additionally, lymphadenectomy can be used as a therapeutic intervention, aiming to remove cancerous lymph nodes to prevent further spread of the disease.
Like any surgical procedure, lymphadenectomy carries risks, such as infection, bleeding, or damage to surrounding tissues. However, it is often considered a necessary and valuable diagnostic or therapeutic approach in specific medical situations.
In summary, lymphadenectomy is a surgical procedure involving the removal of lymph nodes. It is commonly utilized for cancer staging, determining disease spread, and treating certain conditions.
The word "lymphadenectomy" combines two roots: "lymph-" derived from the Greek word "lympha" meaning "pure water", and "-adenectomy" derived from the Greek word "aden" meaning "gland", and the suffix "-ectomy" meaning "surgical removal".
Therefore, the etymology of the word "lymphadenectomy" indicates that it refers to the surgical removal (ectomy) of lymph nodes (aden) or the glands that filter lymphatic fluid.