Hepatophyma

/ˌhɛpətəˈfaɪmə/ noun

Definition

An abnormal growth, swelling, or tumor-like enlargement of the liver tissue.

Etymology

From Greek 'hepato-' (liver) + 'phyma' (growth or swelling, from 'phyein' meaning to grow). This medical term emerged in 19th-century pathology to describe various hepatic enlargements.

Kelly Says

The root 'phyma' shows up in dermatology too—'eczema' and 'dermatophyma' describe skin growths and swellings. It's a versatile term that ancient doctors used to describe any suspicious bump or enlargement without knowing its exact cause.

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