The spelling of the medical term "struma petrosa" may seem confusing at first glance but can be understood through its IPA phonetic transcription. The word is pronounced as /ˈstruːmə pɛˈtroʊsə/ with emphasis on the first syllable. "Struma" refers to an enlargement of the thyroid gland, while "petrosa" pertains to the petrous part of the temporal bone. Thus, "struma petrosa" refers to an enlarged thyroid gland that has grown into the petrous part of the temporal bone, typically causing hearing loss and tinnitus.
Struma petrosa refers to a rare and benign bony growth or tumor that occurs within the petrous apex of the temporal bone. The petrous apex is the most posterior and deepest part of the temporal bone, located behind the ear. This condition is also known as petrous apex hyperostosis.
The growth in struma petrosa is typically slow-growing and characterized by excessive bone formation, leading to the thickening and hardening of the bone at the petrous apex. This excessive bone growth can cause compression and displacement of neighboring structures such as blood vessels, nerves, and the inner ear.
Struma petrosa is usually asymptomatic and is incidentally discovered during imaging studies like a computed tomography (CT) scan or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) conducted for other reasons. It is more commonly observed in middle-aged and elderly individuals, although it can affect people of any age.
The exact cause of struma petrosa is not fully understood, yet it is believed to be associated with abnormal bone metabolism and circulation. While this condition is non-cancerous, its growth can potentially cause various complications, including hearing loss, facial paralysis, and vision problems.
Treatment for struma petrosa may not be necessary if the growth is small and not causing any symptoms. However, if complications arise or the tumor becomes symptomatic, interventions such as surgery may be required to remove or reduce the tumor. Regular monitoring and follow-up examinations are important to ensure early detection of any potential complications.
Hard or fibrous goiter.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The term "struma petrosa" has its roots in Latin and Greek.
The word "struma" comes from Latin, where it referred to a swelling or enlargement. It is also related to the Latin word "strumae", which means "goiter", a swelling of the thyroid gland. In medical terminology, "struma" generally refers to an abnormal growth or enlargement in the body.
The word "petrosa" comes from Greek. It is derived from the Greek word "petros", meaning "rock" or "stone". In medical terminology, "petrosa" refers to the petrous part, which is the hardest and densest part of the temporal bone of the skull.
Thus, "struma petrosa" refers to a condition where there is an abnormal growth or enlargement in the petrous part of the temporal bone in the skull.