What term is used to describe a condition involving excessive growth in size?

Master medical terminology for health professions. Study with multiple-choice questions and detailed explanations. Equip yourself for success in your medical exams and future career!

The term that describes a condition involving excessive growth in size is "-megaly." This suffix is commonly used in medical terminology to indicate enlargement or the abnormal increase in size of an organ or tissue. For example, when combined with the word "hepatomegaly," it refers to an enlarged liver, highlighting the condition of excess growth specifically in that organ.

Understanding this term is crucial in medical contexts, as it helps healthcare professionals accurately describe and diagnose conditions related to abnormal growth. The other terms mentioned have distinct meanings: "-malacia" refers to the softening of tissues, "-stenosis" indicates a narrowing of a canal or passage, and "-necrosis" denotes the death of tissue. Therefore, while they are all important terms in medical terminology, only "-megaly" specifically pertains to excess growth in size.

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