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What is a Hilum?

Published in Organ Anatomy 2 mins read

A hilum is a depression or fissure where crucial structures, such as blood vessels and nerves, enter or exit an organ. Think of it as a gateway or access point. This definition applies across various organs, not just the lungs.

Hilum in Different Organs

Medical Significance

The hilum's location and condition often hold clinical significance. For instance, hilar tumors, located near the hilum of an organ, can have different prognoses compared to non-hilar tumors. (Hilar location is an independent prognostic factor for recurrence in ..., Unilateral Pulmonary Hilar Tumor Mass: Is It Always Lung Cancer ...) In the context of cancer, the term "hilar" is frequently used to describe the location of a tumor, like in hilar cholangiocarcinoma (bile duct cancer near the hilum of the liver). (Hilar cholangiocarcinoma - Overview - Mayo Clinic, Cholangiocarcinoma (Bile Duct Cancer))