LYMPHOTOMY Meaning and
Definition
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Lymphotomy is a medical term that refers to a surgical procedure specifically focused on the lymphatic system. It involves the incision or cutting of the lymphatic vessels or lymph nodes. The lymphatic system is an essential part of the immune system, responsible for transporting lymph fluid and filtering harmful substances and waste products from the body.
During a lymphotomy, a qualified surgeon carefully makes a controlled incision to gain access to the lymphatic vessels or nodes. This procedure is usually performed under general anesthesia to minimize discomfort and pain for the patient. The incision provides the surgeon with the necessary access to identify and examine the lymphatic system for any abnormalities, such as tumors, infection, or the presence of abnormal lymphoid cells.
Lymphotomy can serve various purposes, including diagnostic exploration, staging of cancer, or therapeutic intervention. For diagnostic purposes, it allows healthcare professionals to retrieve lymphatic tissue or fluid samples for laboratory examination. It can also help determine the extent of metastasis in cancer staging, effectively assisting in treatment decisions. In some therapeutic cases, lymphotomy may be employed to remove or drain enlarged or obstructed lymph nodes, alleviating symptoms or preventing further complications.
Overall, lymphotomy is a surgical procedure that involves cutting the lymphatic vessels or nodes to diagnose, stage, or treat medical conditions related to the lymphatic system. It plays a crucial role in identifying diseases and facilitating appropriate treatment decisions to ensure optimal patient outcomes.
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1. The anatomy of the lymphatic system. 2. Removal of adenoid growths.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for LYMPHOTOMY
- lymphotnmy
- lymphoto-y
- lymphotoey
- lymphotoiy
- lymphotooy
- lymphotoly
- lymphotom9
- lymphotomi
- lymphotomq
- lymphotomx
- lymphoetomy
- lymphotwomy
- l ymphotomy
- ly mphotomy
- lymph otomy
- lympho tomy
- lymphot omy
- lymphoto my
- lymphotom y
Etymology of LYMPHOTOMY
The word "lymphotomy" is derived from two separate roots: "lympho" and "tomy".
1. "Lympho" originates from the Latin word "lymphaticus", which means "pertaining to lymph". "Lymph" comes from the Latin "limpha" meaning "water goddess" or "pure water". In ancient physiology, this term was used to describe the clear fluid found in the body's lymphatic system.
2. "Tomy" is derived from the Greek word "tomḗ", which means "a cutting" or "incision". This root is often used in medical terms to denote a surgical procedure involving cutting or incising a specific part of the body.
Therefore, combining these two roots, "lymphotomy" refers to a surgical procedure involving the incision or cutting of lymphatic tissue.
