Paraglobulinuria is a medical term used to describe the presence of a protein called paraglobulin in the urine. The word can be broken down into four parts: para- (meaning beside or alongside), globulin (a type of protein), -uria (meaning urine), and the suffix -in (indicating a chemical or biological substance). The correct pronunciation of paraglobulinuria is /ˌpærəɡlɑːbjʊˌlaɪˈnjʊərɪə/ with a stress on the third syllable. It is important to spell medical terms accurately to ensure effective communication among healthcare professionals.
Paraglobulinuria is a medical condition characterized by the presence of an excessive amount of a protein called paraglobulin in the urine. Also known as Bence Jones proteinuria, this condition usually occurs in individuals with multiple myeloma, a type of cancer affecting plasma cells in the bone marrow.
Paraglobulin is a fraction of the blood protein known as gamma globulin or immunoglobulin, which plays a crucial role in the immune system. It is typically not present in the urine under normal circumstances, as the kidneys effectively filter and reabsorb proteins from the blood. However, in paraglobulinuria, there is a break in this filtration process, leading to the excretion of paraglobulin into the urine.
The presence of paraglobulin in the urine can be detected through laboratory tests, such as urine protein electrophoresis. The identification of paraglobulinuria can aid in the diagnosis and monitoring of multiple myeloma, as it is a characteristic marker of the disease. Treatment of paraglobulinuria primarily focuses on managing the underlying condition, such as chemotherapy or radiation therapy for multiple myeloma.
It is important to note that paraglobulinuria is a specific term used in the context of multiple myeloma and should not be confused with other types of proteinuria, which may have different underlying causes and implications.
The excretion of serum-globulin in the urine.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The word "paraglobulinuria" is derived from three different components: "para-", "globulin", and "-uria".
1. "Para-" is a prefix in Latin that means "beside" or "near". In medical terminology, it is often used to indicate something alongside or similar to the main element that follows.
2. "Globulin" refers to a type of protein found in the blood. Globulins are a group of proteins involved in various physiological functions, including immune response and transport of substances.
3. "-Uria" is a suffix in medical terminology that denotes an abnormal condition or presence of a substance in the urine. It is derived from the Greek word "ouron", which means urine.
Therefore, "paraglobulinuria" can be understood as an abnormal condition characterized by the presence of globulins in the urine.