TOPHUS Meaning and
Definition
-
A tophus is a common medical term referring to a deposit or accumulation of crystallized substances within the body, particularly in the joints or soft tissues. More specifically, it represents a nodular mass that develops due to the prolonged accumulation of uric acid crystals, predominantly seen in individuals suffering from a medical condition called gout.
Gout is a type of arthritis caused by the excessive buildup of uric acid in the body. High levels of uric acid can lead to the formation of needle-shaped crystals that tend to settle in various joints, such as the big toe, ankles, knees, or elbows. Over time, these crystals can form a tophus, which typically appears as a firm, chalky lump just below the surface of the skin.
Tophi can vary in size, ranging from small, pea-sized nodules to larger, more noticeable masses. They are commonly painless, but their presence can contribute to joint inflammation, swelling, and discomfort. Tophi usually develop gradually and are often indicative of more advanced stages of gout.
The treatment of tophi typically involves managing the underlying gout condition. This may include lifestyle modifications, such as dietary changes and weight loss, as well as the use of medications to reduce uric acid levels in the bloodstream. In some cases, tophi may require surgical intervention, such as drainage or excision, if they become infected, ulcerated, or cause severe pain.
-
1. A deposit of sodium biurate in the subcutaneous fibrous tissues in the neighborhood of a joint or in the cartilage of the external ear; chalk-stone. 2. A salivary calculus, or tartar. 3. A node or swelling on the periosteum of the cranium or tibia in syphilis.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
-
• A swlling affecting a bone, or the periosteum; a calareous concretion about the joints, occurring chiefly in gouty persons.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Common Misspellings for TOPHUS
- rophus
- fophus
- gophus
- yophus
- 6ophus
- 5ophus
- tiphus
- tkphus
- tlphus
- tpphus
- t0phus
- t9phus
- toohus
- tolhus
- to-hus
- to0hus
- topgus
- topbus
- topjus
- tophusa
Etymology of TOPHUS
The word "tophus" is derived from the Greek word "tophos" (τόφος), which means "stone" or "deposit". In ancient Greek, it referred to a stone or hard mass that is formed in the body, particularly in the joints. This term was later adopted into Latin as "tophus" with the same meaning. In modern medical terminology, "tophus" is specifically used to describe a deposit of uric acid crystals that forms due to gout, a type of arthritis.
Similar spelling words for TOPHUS
Infographic
Add the infographic to your website:
