PROSOPOTHORACOPAGUS Meaning and
Definition
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The term "prosopothoracopagus" is a rare medical term that refers to a very specific and extremely rare congenital condition known as conjoined twins. More specifically, it is used to describe twins that are joined at the face and the chest, with shared facial features and common torso.
Derived from the Greek words "prosopon" meaning face, "thorax" meaning chest, and "pagos" meaning fixed or connected, "prosopothoracopagus" provides a precise description of the anatomical fusion between the conjoined twins. This unique condition occurs during fetal development when the twins fail to fully separate into individuals and, as a result, remain physically connected.
The term "prosopothoracopagus" also conveys the concept that in such cases, the faces and chests of the twins are structurally combined, appearing as one entity rather than two separate individuals. This can present significant challenges in terms of medical interventions or surgical separations, as the shared organs and complex vascular systems need to be carefully considered.
Due to the rarity and complexity of this specific type of conjoined twins, there are very limited documented cases of prosopothoracopagus. Medical professionals and researchers continue to study and explore possible treatment options and various surgical techniques to address the unique challenges associated with this condition.
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A twin monster attached by the face and chest; cephalothora copagus.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for PROSOPOTHORACOPAGUS
