Hepatolith

/ˈhɛpətəlɪθ/ noun

Definition

A stone or calculus that forms in the liver or bile ducts.

Etymology

From hepato- (liver, Greek hepar) + -lith (from Greek lithos 'stone'). Medical terms ending in -lith refer to stones forming in body structures, similar to kidney stones (nephroliths) or gallstones (choleliths).

Kelly Says

While gallstones are famous, intrahepatic stones (hepatoliths) can actually form inside the liver tissue itself in certain conditions, particularly in Asian populations with parasitic infections. These stones can cause severe complications and infections because they're trapped deep in the liver's plumbing system!

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