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Aganglionic megacolon
Pronunciation
Definition 1
A condition in which certain nerve cells are missing from the muscle layers of part of the large intestine. This causes severe constipation or blockage of the large intestine. Constipation is when stool becomes hard, dry, and difficult to pass and bowel movements occur less often than normal. Other symptoms include swollen abdomen, vomiting, bloody diarrhea, gas, lack of energy, and trouble gaining weight. Aganglionic megacolon is present from birth, but the symptoms may not appear until later in a child’s life. This condition has been linked to an increased risk of thyroid cancer and neuroblastoma. Also called Hirschsprung disease. (NCI Dictionary)
Definition 2
A congenital disorder characterized by the absence of myenteric ganglion cells in the distal colon. It results in a functional stenosis of the distal colon and a massive distention of the proximal colon. (NCI Thesaurus)
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