What does "primary" mean in medical terms?
Meaning of "Primary" in Medical Terms
In medical terminology, the term "primary" has several related meanings, all centering around the idea of something being the first or originating source:
- Original or Initial: It refers to the first occurrence of a disease, condition, or tumor, as opposed to secondary conditions that result from or follow another disease.
- Primary Disease: This is the main disease or the initial cause of symptoms. For example, primary hypertension means high blood pressure not caused by another condition.
- Primary Tumor: In oncology, a primary tumor is the site where cancer first develops, before potentially spreading (metastasizing) to other areas (secondary tumors).
- Primary Care: The initial point of contact for a patient in the healthcare system, often involving general practitioners or family doctors who provide comprehensive and ongoing care.
Overall, "primary" designates the first, original, or main aspect within a medical context.