Dictionary of Cancer Terms
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Portal hypertension (PAW-til HY-per-TEN-shun)
High blood pressure in the vein that carries blood to the liver from the stomach, small and large intestines, spleen, pancreas, and gallbladder. It is usually caused by a block in the blood flow through the liver due to cirrhosis (scarring) of the liver.
Source: National Cancer Institute Dictionary of Cancer Terms, available at www.cancer.gov/dictionary.