SPLENOMEGALY Meaning and
Definition
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Splenomegaly is a medical term that refers to the enlargement of the spleen beyond its normal size. The spleen is an organ located in the upper left side of the abdomen, under the rib cage, and is a part of the lymphatic system. Its main functions include filtering the blood to remove bacteria, viruses, and old or damaged red blood cells, as well as producing certain immune cells.
When the spleen becomes enlarged, it may indicate an underlying health condition or disease. Splenomegaly can occur as a result of various causes, such as infections, liver disease, certain cancers, blood disorders, and inflammatory conditions. It can also be a consequence of excessive alcohol consumption, and in some cases, the cause may be unknown.
Symptoms of splenomegaly can vary depending on the underlying cause, but some common signs include pain or discomfort in the left upper abdomen, a feeling of fullness after eating little, anemia, fatigue, easy bruising or bleeding, and frequent infections. In some cases, the enlarged spleen may rupture, which can be a life-threatening emergency.
Diagnosis of splenomegaly typically involves a physical examination, blood tests to evaluate the functioning of the spleen and the presence of any underlying conditions, as well as imaging tests such as ultrasound, CT scan, or MRI to determine the size and structure of the spleen.
Treatment for splenomegaly focuses on addressing the underlying cause. Depending on the severity and cause, treatment options may include medication to manage infections, inflammation, or other conditions, surgery to remove the spleen (splenectomy), or in some cases, blood transfusions or bone marrow transplant.
Common Misspellings for SPLENOMEGALY
- aplenomegaly
- zplenomegaly
- xplenomegaly
- dplenomegaly
- eplenomegaly
- wplenomegaly
- solenomegaly
- sllenomegaly
- s-lenomegaly
- s0lenomegaly
- spkenomegaly
- sppenomegaly
- spoenomegaly
- splwnomegaly
- splsnomegaly
- spldnomegaly
- splrnomegaly
- spl4nomegaly
- spl3nomegaly
Etymology of SPLENOMEGALY
The word "splenomegaly" is derived from two Greek roots: "splēn", which means spleen, and "megalos", which means enlarged.
"Splēn" originates from ancient Greek where it referred to the spleen, the organ located on the left side of the abdomen. The term was then borrowed into Latin as "splen", and subsequently into English as "spleen".
"Megalos" stems from the Greek word "megas", meaning great or large. It is commonly used to indicate enlargement or increase in size.
Combining "splēn" with "megalos" gives us "splenomegaly", which specifically describes the condition of having an enlarged spleen.
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