Stone
Stone (medicine)
Stone (pronounced: /stoʊn/) in the medical context, often refers to a hard, solid mass that forms in some organs in the body. These are also known as Calculi or Concretions.
Etymology
The term 'stone' in the medical context is derived from the Old English 'stān', which has the same meaning as the modern English term. The medical usage of the term is believed to have originated from the physical resemblance of these formations to actual stones.
Types of Stones
There are several types of stones that can form in different parts of the body:
- Kidney stone: A hard mass formed in the kidneys, typically consisting of insoluble calcium compounds.
- Gallstone: A small, hard crystalline mass formed abnormally in the gallbladder or bile ducts from bile pigments, cholesterol, and calcium salts.
- Salivary stone: Also known as sialolithiasis, these are stones that form in the salivary glands and can block the flow of saliva.
- Bladder stone: Hard masses of minerals in your bladder. Bladder stones develop when the minerals in concentrated urine crystallize.
Symptoms
Symptoms of stones can vary depending on the type and location of the stone. Common symptoms may include pain, inflammation, and infection. More specific symptoms can be found on the respective pages for each type of stone.
Treatment
Treatment for stones also varies depending on the type and location of the stone. Some stones may pass naturally, while others may require medical intervention such as medication, lithotripsy, or surgical removal. More specific treatments can be found on the respective pages for each type of stone.
Related Terms
- Lithotripsy: A medical procedure used to treat certain types of stones.
- Urolithiasis: The process of forming stones in the kidney, bladder, and/or urethra (urinary tract).
- Nephrolithiasis: The condition of having kidney stones.
- Cholelithiasis: The presence of gallstones in the gallbladder.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Stone
- Wikipedia's article - Stone
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