Sarcomatosis generalis is a medical term used to describe the widespread occurrence of sarcoma – a cancerous tumor originating from tissues that support and connect the body’s organs – throughout the body. The pronunciation is /sɑːkroʊməˈtoʊsɪs ˌdʒenərəlɪs/, which is phonetically transcribed as sa-kroh-muh-TOH-sis JEN-uh-ruh-lis. The word consists of the roots sarcoma, -tosis, and generalis. Sarcoma refers to the malignancy of connective tissues, -tosis pertains to cell alterations leading to abnormal growth, and generalis means widespread. Thus, sarcomatosis generalis is a term used to describe the severe and widespread manifestation of sarcomas in the body.
Sarcomatosis generalis is a medical term that refers to the widespread or generalized presence of sarcoma tumors throughout the body. Sarcoma is a type of cancer that originates in the connective tissues, such as bones, muscles, blood vessels, and soft tissues. It is characterized by the abnormal growth of malignant cells in these tissues.
Sarcomatosis generalis occurs when sarcoma tumors metastasize or spread to multiple sites beyond the original location. This condition is considered aggressive and serious, as it suggests an advanced stage of sarcoma. The cancer cells infiltrate different organs and tissues, leading to the formation of numerous tumors.
The symptoms of sarcomatosis generalis may vary depending on the locations of the tumors and the organs affected. Common symptoms can include pain, swelling, fatigue, weight loss, and general malaise. As the condition progresses, it may cause organ dysfunction, leading to further complications.
The diagnosis of sarcomatosis generalis involves a combination of medical imaging tests, such as computed tomography (CT) scans, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and positron emission tomography (PET) scans, to identify the presence and extent of the tumors throughout the body. A biopsy may be performed to confirm the type of sarcoma and determine the appropriate treatment approach.
Treatment options for sarcomatosis generalis often involve a multimodal approach, including surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and targeted therapies. The aim is to control the spread of the tumors, alleviate symptoms, and improve the patient's quality of life. However, the prognosis for sarcomatosis generalis can be challenging, as the condition is often associated with poor long-term survival rates, and management is focused on palliative care.
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A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The term "sarcomatosis generalis" is derived from two main components: "sarcoma" and "osis".
1. "Sarcoma": The word "sarcoma" is derived from the Greek word "sarkoma", which means "fleshy excrescence" or "malignant tumor". It is a specific type of cancer that originates in the connective tissues (such as bones, muscles, or soft tissues). The term "sarcoma" itself has been used in medical literature since the early 18th century.
2. "Osis": The suffix "osis" is of Greek origin and is commonly used in medical terminology to denote a condition or a state. It is derived from the Greek word "osis", which means "abnormal condition" or "a process".