Imaging & Radiology · Radiology · Hard

Osteolysis

Meaning: Destruction of bone, visible as dark areas on X-ray.

In practice: Osteolytic lesions suggest bone metastases or aggressive infection.

Word parts

  • osteo- means bone
  • -lysis means breaking down

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 imaging & radiology words.

Which word means: Replacement of lung air spaces with fluid or tissue, seen as whiteness on X-ray.

Which word means: Partial or complete collapse of a lung or part of a lung.

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Related words

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