SPLENOMYELOMALACIA Meaning and
Definition
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Splenomyelomalacia is a rare medical condition characterized by the degeneration and softening of both the spleen and spinal cord. The term itself is derived from three main components: "spleno" referring to the spleen, "myelo" referring to the spinal cord, and "malacia" indicating softening or degeneration.
The degenerative process typically affects the spleen, a vital organ located in the left upper abdomen responsible for filtering the blood, producing immune cells, and storing platelets. In splenomyelomalacia, the spleen undergoes tissue degeneration, leading to its softening and loss of normal structure and function.
Concurrently, the condition affects the spinal cord, a vital component of the central nervous system responsible for transmitting sensory and motor signals between the brain and the rest of the body. The softening and degeneration of the spinal cord in splenomyelomalacia may result in a broad range of neurological symptoms including weakness, sensory disturbances, paralysis, or loss of bladder and bowel control.
Due to its rarity, the exact cause and risk factors of splenomyelomalacia are not well understood. However, it has been proposed that the condition may be associated with underlying infections, arterial blockages, trauma, or autoimmune diseases.
Treatment for splenomyelomalacia generally involves managing the symptoms and supporting the affected individual. Therapy may include surgical interventions to alleviate spinal cord compression or targeted treatments for any underlying causes such as infections or autoimmune disorders. Overall, the prognosis of splenomyelomalacia varies depending on the extent of organ damage and response to treatment.
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Pathological softening of the spleen and bone-marrow.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for SPLENOMYELOMALACIA
- aplenomyelomalacia
- zplenomyelomalacia
- xplenomyelomalacia
- dplenomyelomalacia
- eplenomyelomalacia
- wplenomyelomalacia
- solenomyelomalacia
- sllenomyelomalacia
- s-lenomyelomalacia
- s0lenomyelomalacia
- spkenomyelomalacia
- sppenomyelomalacia
- spoenomyelomalacia
- splwnomyelomalacia
- splsnomyelomalacia
- spldnomyelomalacia
- splrnomyelomalacia
- spl4nomyelomalacia
- spl3nomyelomalacia
- splebomyelomalacia
Etymology of SPLENOMYELOMALACIA
The word "splenomyelomalacia" is composed of three roots: "spleno", "myelo", and "malacia".
1. "Spleno" comes from the Greek word "splen", which means spleen.
2. "Myelo" comes from the Greek word "muelos", which means marrow.
3. "Malacia" comes from the Greek word "malakia", which means softening.
When combined, "splenomyelomalacia" refers to the softening of both the spleen and bone marrow.
