Clinical Diagnosis · Haematological System · Hard
Hypersplenism
Meaning: An overactive, enlarged organ in the upper left abdomen that removes too many blood cells from the circulation.
In practice: Hypersplenism from portal hypertension explained his persistently low platelet and white cell counts.
Word parts
- hyper- means above or more than normal
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: A cancer arising from the cells lining the bile ducts, often presenting with painless jaundice.
Answer: Cholangiocarcinoma
Which word means: Class of diuretic that blocks the sodium-chloride cotransporter in the distal convoluted tubule.
Answer: Thiazide
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