Clinical Diagnosis · Endocrine System · Medium
Hypercalcaemia
Meaning: An abnormally high blood level of the mineral stored in bones, causing thirst, constipation, confusion and kidney stones.
In practice: Hypercalcaemia in the smoker raised concern about an underlying malignancy.
Word parts
- hyper- means above or more than normal
- -aemia means a condition of the blood
Many medical words are built from Greek and Latin parts like these, so learning a few helps you work out new terms.
Quick check
Two questions on related clinical diagnosis words.
Which word means: An inherited condition in which red cells are small, ball-shaped and fragile, causing their breakdown and jaundice.
Answer: Spherocytosis
Which word means: A systemic Salmonella infection spread by contaminated food and water, causing prolonged fever and abdominal symptoms.
Answer: Typhoid
Words like hypercalcaemia come up in the daily game
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