Lymphadenectomy is a surgical procedure involving the removal of lymph nodes. The term can be broken down into three main word parts:
- lymph: This part refers to lymphatic fluid, which is a clear fluid that circulates through the lymphatic system, helping to remove waste and toxins from tissues.
- aden: This root word comes from the Greek word ‘adenos’, which means ‘gland’. In this context, it refers specifically to the lymph nodes, which are gland-like structures that produce and store cells that help fight infection.
- ectomy: This suffix, derived from the Greek word ‘ektome’, means ‘surgical removal’. It indicates that a specific part of the body is being excised or taken out.
In summary, lymphadenectomy literally means the surgical removal of lymph nodes and is commonly performed to treat certain cancers or infections in the lymphatic system.