What is the term for an enlargement of the kidney?

The term for an enlargement of the kidney is nephromegaly. This term is derived from the Greek words "nephros," meaning kidney, and "megalos," meaning large. Nephromegaly can occur due to various conditions, including diseases that cause fluid buildup or enlargement due to tumors or cysts within the kidneys. It is an important clinical finding that can help guide further diagnosis and management of underlying kidney disorders.

Other related terms, while they may sound similar, refer to different conditions. For instance, nephritis is the inflammation of the kidney, which may be a cause of nephromegaly but does not specifically indicate enlargement itself. Nephrorrhagia refers to bleeding from the kidney, while hydronephrosis describes a condition where there is swelling of the kidney due to a build-up of urine caused by obstruction or other issues. These distinctions are crucial in accurately diagnosing and treating kidney-related conditions.