LYMPHOCYTOSIS Meaning and
Definition
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Lymphocytosis, a medical term derived from "lymphocyte" (a type of white blood cell) and the suffix "-osis" (indicating a medical condition or abnormality), refers to an elevated number of lymphocytes in the bloodstream. Lymphocytes are an important component of the immune system and are responsible for identifying and destroying foreign substances, such as bacteria and viruses, in the body.
Normally, lymphocyte levels in the blood are maintained within a specific range. However, in cases of lymphocytosis, there is an excessive production or reduced clearance of lymphocytes, leading to an abnormal increase in their count. Lymphocytosis can be either reactive or malignant. Reactive lymphocytosis occurs in response to an infection or an inflammatory condition, where the body produces more lymphocytes to combat the invading pathogen or trigger. Malignant lymphocytosis, on the other hand, is a result of various malignancies, such as leukemia or lymphoma, where the abnormal growth and multiplication of lymphocytes occur uncontrollably.
Symptoms of lymphocytosis may include fatigue, fever, swollen lymph nodes, and unintended weight loss. Diagnosis typically involves a complete blood count (CBC) to assess the levels and proportions of different blood cells. Further investigations, like lymph node biopsy or bone marrow aspiration, may be necessary to determine the underlying cause and differentiate between reactive and malignant lymphocytosis.
Treatment of lymphocytosis depends on the underlying cause. In reactive cases, addressing the primary infection or inflammatory condition usually restores lymphocyte levels to normal. In malignant lymphocytosis, specific treatments like chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or targeted drug therapies may be required to control the abnormal lymphocyte growth. Regular monitoring and follow-up are essential to ensure the
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A form of relative leucocytosis in which there is an increase in the number of lymphocytes.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for LYMPHOCYTOSIS
- kymphocytosis
- pymphocytosis
- oymphocytosis
- ltmphocytosis
- lgmphocytosis
- lhmphocytosis
- lumphocytosis
- l7mphocytosis
- l6mphocytosis
- lynphocytosis
- lykphocytosis
- lyjphocytosis
- lymohocytosis
- lymlhocytosis
- lym-hocytosis
- lym0hocytosis
- lympgocytosis
- lympbocytosis
- lympnocytosis
- lymphiocytosis
Etymology of LYMPHOCYTOSIS
The word "lymphocytosis" is derived from the combination of two root words - "lymphocyte" and "osis".
- "Lymphocyte" comes from the Greek words "lympha" meaning "clear liquid" and "kytos" meaning "container" or "cell". Lymphocytes are a type of white blood cells found in the lymphatic system.
- "Osis" is a suffix that indicates a medical condition or a disorder. It comes from the Greek word "osis" meaning "a condition, disease, or abnormal process".
Thus, "lymphocytosis" is a term used in medicine to describe a condition characterized by an elevated or increased number of lymphocytes in the blood.
Similar spelling words for LYMPHOCYTOSIS
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