Myelocytoma is a medical term used to describe a tumor made up of bone marrow cells. It is pronounced as /maɪ.ə.loʊ.saɪˈtoʊ.mə/ with the stress on the second syllable. The word is derived from the Greek roots "myelo" meaning marrow, "cyto" meaning cell, and "oma" meaning tumor. The spelling might seem tricky at first glance, as it contains several consonants together, but can be easily broken down using the IPA transcription. This type of consistent spelling helps medical professionals with the pronunciation of complex terminology.
Myelocytoma is a medical term referring to a rare condition characterized by the presence of abnormal cells known as myelocytes within the bone marrow. Myelocytes are a type of immature white blood cell that normally develop into mature cells such as neutrophils, which play a key role in the body's immune response against infections. However, in myelocytoma, an overabundance of myelocytes is present in the marrow, leading to a disruption in the normal differentiation and maturation process of white blood cells.
Individuals with myelocytoma may exhibit symptoms related to disrupted blood cell production, such as anemia, frequent infections, and bleeding tendencies. The condition can also result in an enlarged spleen and lymph nodes, further affecting the body's immune function.
The exact cause of myelocytoma remains unclear, but it is thought to be associated with certain underlying factors, including genetic abnormalities and chromosomal disorders. Diagnostic techniques used to identify myelocytoma include bone marrow aspiration and biopsy, which allow the examination of the bone marrow cells to confirm the presence of increased myelocytes.
Treatment for myelocytoma typically involves managing the associated symptoms and addressing any underlying conditions, if possible. This may involve blood transfusions, antibiotic therapy for infections, and medications to support healthy blood cell production. In severe cases, bone marrow transplantation may be considered as a treatment option.
In summary, myelocytoma is a rare medical condition characterized by excessive myelocytes in the bone marrow, leading to abnormalities in the production and maturation of white blood cells.
Chronic myelocytic leucemia.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The word "myelocytoma" is derived from a combination of two Greek roots: "myelo" meaning "bone marrow" and "kytos" meaning "cell". The suffix "-oma" in medical terminology typically indicates a tumor or abnormal growth. Therefore, "myelocytoma" refers to a neoplasm or tumor arising from bone marrow cells.