Ch.12 Integumentary System Flashcards
Albin/o
White
Cyan/o
Blue
Eryth/o
Red
Luek/o
White
Melan/o
Black/Dark Pigment
Xanth/o
yellow
Myc/o
Fungus
Crypt/o
Hidden
Derm/a
Skin
-oma
tumor
Tic
pertaining to
Lysis
Breakdown/destruction
Para
beside/near
cutane/o
Skin
hidr/o
Sweat
hirsut/o
Hairy or rough
kerat/o
Horny or hard
lip/o
Fat, lipid
onych/o
Fingernails or toenails
pil/i
hair
py/o
Pus
rhytid/o
Wrinkle
seb/o
Sebum
urtic/o
Rash, hives
xer/o
Dry
actinic keratosis
precancerous skin lesion that occurs on sun-damaged skin
albinism
genetic condition characterized by a deficiency or absence of pigment in the skin, hair, and irises due to a missing enzyme necessary for the production of melanin
alopecia
partial or complete loss of hair, most commonly on the scalp; also known as baldness
blepharoplasty
Surgical reduction of the upper and lower eyelids by removing sagging skin; also known as a lid lift
bulla
large blister that is usually more than 0.5 cm in diameter; plural, bullae
capillary hemangioma
soft, raised, pink or red vascular birthmark
carbuncle
A cluster of connected furuncles
cellulitis
acute, rapidly spreading infection within the connective tissues
chloasma
pigmentation disorder characterized by brownish spots on the face; also known as melasma or the mask of pregnancy
cicatrix
normal scar resulting from the healing of a wound; plural, cicatrices
comedo
noninfected lesion formed by the buildup of sebum and keratin in a hair follicle; also known as a blackhead; plural, comedones
debridement
removal of dirt, foreign objects, damaged tissue, and cellular debris from a wound to prevent infection and promote healing
dermatitis
Inflammation of the skin
diaphoresis
Profuse, but not necessarily excessive, sweating
dysplastic nevi
Atypical moles that may develop into skin cancer
ecchymosis
large, irregular area of purplish discoloration due to bleeding under the skin; plural, ecchymoses
eczema
form of persistent or recurring dermatitis characterized by redness, itching, and dryness with possible blistering, cracking, oozing, or bleeding
erythema
Redness of the skin due to capillary dilation
erythroderma
Abnormal redness of the entire skin surface
exanthem
Refers to a widespread rash, usually in children
exfoliative dermatitis
condition in which there is widespread scaling of the skin, often with pruritus, erythroderma, and hair loss
folliculitis
Inflammation of the hair follicles that is especially common on the limbs and in the beard area on men
furuncles
Large, tender, swollen areas caused by a staphylococcal infection around hair follicles or sebaceous glands; also known as boils
granuloma
small knotlike swelling of granulation tissue in the epidermis
hematoma
swelling of clotted blood trapped in the tissues
hirsutism
Excessive bodily and facial hair in women, usually occurring in a male pattern
ichthyosis
group of hereditary disorders characterized by dry, thickened, scaly skin
impetigo
highly contagious bacterial skin infection characterized by isolated pustules that become crusted and rupture
keloid
An abnormally raised or thickened scar that expands beyond the boundaries of the original incision
keratosis
Any skin growth, such as a wart or callus, in which there is overgrowth and thickening of the skin; plural, keratoses
koilonychia
malformation of the nails in which the outer surface is concave or scooped out like the bowl of a spoon; also known as spoon nail
lipedema
chronic abnormal condition, usually in women, that is characterized by the accumulation of fat and fluid in the tissues just under the skin of the hips and legs
lipoma
benign, slow-growing fatty tumor located between the skin and the muscle layer
macule
discolored, flat spot, such as a freckle, that is less than 1 cm in diameter
malignant melanoma
type of skin cancer that occurs in the melanocytes
necrotizing fasciitis
severe infection caused by Group A strepbacteria that enters the body through a wound. If untreated, the infected body tissue can be destroyed and the illness may be fatal; also known as flesh-eating bacteria
onychocryptosis
Ingrown toenail in which the edges of a toenail curve inward and cut into the skin
onychomycosis
fungal infection of the nail
papilloma
benign, superficial, wartlike growth on the epithelial tissue or elsewhere in the body, such as in the bladder
papule
small, raised, red lesion, such as an insect bite, that is less than 0.5 cm in diameter
paronychia
acute or chronic infection of the skin fold around a nail
pediculosis
An infestation with lice
petechiae
Small pinpoint hemorrhages less than 2 mm in diameter; singular, petechia
pruritus
Itching associated with most forms of dermatitis
psoriasis
common skin disorder characterized by flare-ups in which red papules covered with silvery scales occur on the elbows, knees, scalp, back, or buttocks
purpura
appearance of multiple purple discolorations on the skin caused by bleeding underneath the skin
purulent
Producing or containing pus.
rhytidectomy
surgical removal of excess skin and fat from the face for the elimination of wrinkles; also known as a facelift.
rosacea
chronic condition of unknown cause, characterized by tiny red pimples and broken blood vessels
scabies
skin infection caused by an infestation of itch mites that cause small, itchy bumps and blisters by burrowing into the top layer of human skin to lay their eggs
scleroderma
autoimmune disorder in which the connective tissues become thickened and hardened
seborrhea
Overactivity of the sebaceous glands that results in the production of an excessive amount of sebum
squamous cell carcinoma
malignant tumor of the scaly squamous cells of the epithelium; however, it can quickly spread to other body systems
systemic lupus erythematosus
autoimmune disorder characterized by a red, scaly rash on the face and upper trunk. This condition also attacks the connective tissue in other body systems, especially in the joints
tinea
fungal infection of the skin, hair, or nails; also known as ringworm
urticaria
Itchy wheals caused by an allergic reaction; also known as hives
verrucae
Small, hard skin lesions caused by the human papillomavirus; also known as warts; singular, verruca
vitiligo
skin condition resulting from the destruction of the melanocytes due to unknown causes and causing irregular patches of white skin
wheal
small bump that itches and can appear as a symptom of an allergic reaction; a welt
xeroderma
Excessively dry skin; also known as xerosis
BCC
basal cell carcinoma
cauterization
caut
eczema
Ecz, Ez
incision and drainage; irrigation and debridement
I & D
malignant melanoma
MM
necrotizing fasciitis
NF
photodynamic therapy
PDT
psoriasis
Ps
scleroderma
SCD
squamous cell carcinoma
SCC
subcutaneous
SC, subq
systemic lupus erythematosus
SLE
Acne vulgaris
commonly known as acne, is a chronic inflammatory disease characterized by pustular eruptions of the skin caused by an overproduction of sebum around the hair shaft. Although often triggered by hormones in puberty and adolescence, it also occurs in adults. Vulgaris is a Latin term meaning common
comedo
is a noninfected lesion formed by the buildup of sebum and keratin in a hair follicle often associated with acne vulgaris (plural, comedones). A comedo with an obstructed opening is called a whitehead (a closed comedo). A sebum plug that is exposed to air often oxidizes and becomes a blackhead (an open comedo)
epidermoid cyst
often referred to as a sebaceous cyst is a closed sac that is found just under the skin. These cysts contain yellow, fatty material and are usually found on the face, neck, or trunk
Seborrhea
is overactivity of the sebaceous glands that results in the production of an excessive amount of sebum
Seborrheic dermatitis
s an inflammation sometimes resulting from seborrhea that causes scaling and itching of the upper layers of the skin or scalp. Extensive dandruff is a form of seborrheic dermatitis, as is the scalp rash in infants known as cradle cap. In contrast, mild dandruff is usually caused by a yeast-like fungus on the scalp
seborrheic keratosis
a benign skin growth that has a waxy or “pasted-on” look. These growths, which can vary in color from light tan to black, occur most commonly in the elderly
Anhidrosis
is the abnormal condition of lacking sweat in response to heat ( an- means without, hidr means sweat, and -osis means abnormal condition
Diaphoresis
profuse sweating ( dia- means through or complete, phor means movement, and -esis means abnormal condition). This is a normal condition when brought on by heat or exertion but can also be the body’s response to emotional or physical distress
Heat rash
also known as prickly heat, is an intensely itchy rash caused by blockage of the sweat glands by bacteria and dead cells
Hyperhidrosis
a condition of excessive sweating in one area or over the whole body
Sleep hyperhidrosis
commonly known as night sweats, is the occurrence of hyperhidrosis during sleep. There are many potential causes of this condition, including menopause, certain medications, and some infectious diseases
Folliculitis
an inflammation of the hair follicles ( follicul means the hair follicle, and -itis means inflammation). This condition is especially common on arms, legs, and in the beard area of men. One of the causes of folliculitis is a bacterium found in poorly chlorinated hot tubs or whirlpools. This leads to a condition called hot tub folliculitis
Trichomycosis axillaris
is a superficial bacterial infection of the hair shafts in areas with extensive sweat glands, such as the armpits ( trich/o means hair, myc means fungus, and -osis means abnormal condition). Axillaris is Latin for axillary ( axill means armpit, and -ary means pertaining to)
Hirsutism
is the presence of excessive body and facial hair in women, usually occurring in a male pattern ( hirsut means hairy, and -ism means condition). This condition can be hereditary or caused by a hormonal imbalance
Alopecia
also known as baldness, is the partial or complete loss of hair, most commonly on the scalp ( alopec means baldness, and -ia means condition)
Alopecia areata
is an autoimmune disorder that attacks the hair follicles, causing well-defined bald areas on the scalp or elsewhere on the body (Figure 12.4). This condition often begins in childhood. Areata means occurring in patches
Alopecia totalis
is an uncommon condition characterized by the loss of all the hair on the scalp
Alopecia universalis
is the total loss of hair on all parts of the body. Universalis means total
Androgenic alopecia
is the most common type of hair loss. Androgenic means referring to androgens, the hormones involved in the development and maintenance of masculine characteristics
male pattern baldness
with the hairline receding from the front to the back until only a horseshoe-shaped area of hair remains in the back and at the temples
female pattern baldness
When it occurs in women it is called female pattern baldness, and is characterized by the hair thinning in the front and on the sides of the scalp and sometimes on the crown. This condition rarely leads to total hair loss
Clubbing
the abnormal curving of the nails that is often accompanied by enlargement of the fingertips. This condition can be hereditary but is usually caused by changes associated with oxygen deficiencies related to coronary or pulmonary diseases such as lung cancer
Koilonychia
also known as spoon nail, is a malformation of the nails in which the outer surface is concave or scooped out like the bowl of a spoon ( koil means hollow or concave, onych means fingernail or toenail, and -ia means condition). This condition is often an indication of iron-deficiency anemia
Onychia
also known as onychitis, is an inflammation of the bed of the nail that often results in the loss of the nail
Onychocryptosis
commonly known as an ingrown toenail ( onych/o means fingernail or toenail, crypt means hidden, and -osis means abnormal condition). The edges of a toenail, usually on the big toe, curve inward and cut into the skin. The affected area is prone to inflammation or infection
Onychomycosis
is a fungal infection of the nail ( onych/o means fingernail or toenail, myc means fungus, and -osis means abnormal condition). Depending on the type of fungus involved, this condition can cause the nails to turn white, yellow, green, or black and to become thick or brittle
Paronychia
is an acute or chronic infection of the skin fold around a nail ( par- means near, onych means fingernail or toenail, and -ia means condition)
Acanthosis nigricans
is a condition where one or more areas of the skin develop dark, wart-like patches. This can be a sign of a disease such as cancer or type 2 diabetes or a reaction to a medication
Age spots
also known as solar lentigines or liver spots, are discolorations caused by sun exposure. Although harmless, these spots sometimes resemble skin cancer growths
Albinism
a genetic condition characterized by a deficiency or the absence of pigment in the skin, hair, and irises of the eyes ( albin means white, and -ism means condition). This condition is the result of a missing enzyme that is necessary for the production of melanin. A person with this condition is known as an albino
Chloasma
also known as melasma or the mask of pregnancy, is a pigmentation disorder characterized by brownish spots on the face. This can occur during pregnancy, especially among women with dark hair and fair skin, and usually disappears after delivery
Vitiligo
is a skin condition resulting from the destruction of the melanocytes due to unknown causes. Vitiligo causes irregular patches of white skin, a process known as depigmentation. Hair growing in an affected area may also turn white
contusion
an injury to underlying tissues without breaking the skin and is characterized by discoloration and pain ( contus means bruise, and -ion means condition). This discoloration is caused by an accumulation of blood within the skin
ecchymosis
commonly known as a bruise, is a large, irregular area of purplish discoloration due to bleeding under the skin ( ecchym means pouring out of juice, and -osis means abnormal condition) (Figure 12.5). The plural form is ecchymoses
Purpura
is the appearance of multiple purple discolorations on the skin caused by bleeding underneath the skin ( purpur means purple, and -a is a noun ending). These areas of discoloration are smaller than an ecchymosis and larger than petechiae
Petechiae
are very small, pinpoint hemorrhages that are less than 2 mm in diameter (singular, petechia). These hemorrhages sometimes result from high fevers
hematoma
which is usually caused by an injury, is a swelling of clotted blood trapped in the tissues ( hemat means blood, and -oma means tumor). The body eventually reabsorbs this blood. A hematoma is often named for the area where it occurs. For example, a subungual hematoma is blood trapped under a finger or toenail
lesion
a pathologic change of the tissues due to disease or injury. Skin lesions are described by their appearance, location, color, and size as measured in centimeters
crust
also known as scab, is a collection of dried serum and cellular debris
Erosion
is the wearing away of a surface, such as the epidermis of the skin or the outer layer of a mucous membrane. This term can also describe the progressive loss of dental enamel
macule
also known as a macula, is a discolored flat spot that is less than 1 cm in diameter. Freckles, or flat moles, are examples of macules
nodule
is a solid, raised skin lesion that is larger than 0.5 cm in diameter and deeper than a papule. In acne vulgaris, nodules can cause scarring
papule
a small, raised red lesion that is less than 0.5 cm in diameter and does not contain pus. Small pimples and insect bites are types of papules
plaque
a scaly, solid raised area of closely spaced papules. For example, the lesions of psoriasis are plaques (Figure 12.11). Note: The term plaque also means a fatty buildup in the arteries (see Chapter 5) and a soft substance that forms on the teeth
Scales
are flakes or dry patches made up of excess dead epidermal cells. Some shedding of these scales is normal; however, excessive shedding is associated with skin disorders such as psoriasis
Verrucae
also known as warts, are small, hard skin lesions caused by the human papillomavirus (singular, verruca). Plantar warts are verrucae that develop on the sole of the foot. See Chapter 14 for more information on the human papillomavirus
wheal
also known as a welt, is a small bump that itches. Wheals can appear as urticaria, or hives, as a symptom of an allergic reaction
abscess
is a closed pocket containing pus that is caused by a bacterial infection. An abscess can appear on the skin or within other structures of the body
Purulent
means producing or containing pus
exudate
is a fluid, such as pus, that leaks out of an infected wound
cyst
is an abnormal sac containing gas, fluid, or a semisolid material (Figure 12.7A). The term cyst can also refer to a sac or vesicle elsewhere in the body. The most common type of skin cyst is a sebaceous cyst
pustule
also known as a pimple, is a small, circumscribed lesion containing pus (Figure 12.7B). Circumscribed means contained within a limited area. Pustules can be caused by acne vulgaris, impetigo, or other skin infections
vesicle
is a small blister, less than 0.5 cm in diameter, containing watery fluid (Figure 12.7C). For example, the rash of poison ivy consists of vesicles
bulla
is a large blister that is usually more than 0.5 cm in diameter
abrasion
is an injury in which superficial layers of skin are scraped or rubbed away
fissure
is a groove or crack-like break in the skin. Fissures are, for example, the breaks in the skin between the toes caused by tinea pedis, or athlete’s foot (Figure 12.8A). The term fissure also describes folds in the contours of the brain
laceration
is a torn or jagged wound or an accidental cut wound
pressure sore
previously known as a decubitus ulcer or bedsore, is an open ulcerated wound that is caused by prolonged pressure on an area of skin. Without proper care, these sores quickly become seriously infected and can result in tissue death
needlestick injury
is an accidental puncture wound caused by a used hypodermic needle, potentially transmitting an infection. A puncture wound is an injury caused by a pointed object piercing the skin
ulcer
is an open lesion of the skin or mucous membrane resulting in tissue loss around the edges (Figure 12.8B). Note: Ulcers also occur inside the body. Those associated with the digestive system are discussed in
Pigmented birthmarks
include nevi, also known as moles, as well as café-au-lait spots and other irregularities in skin colo
Vascular birthmarks
are caused by blood vessels close to the skin’s surface. These are the most common type of birthmark and are sometimes called salmon patches or red birthmarks.
capillary hemangioma
also known as a strawberry birthmark, is a soft, raised, pink or red vascular birthmark ( hem means blood, angi means blood or lymph vessels, and -oma means tumor). A hemangioma is a benign tissue mass made up of newly formed small blood vessels that in birthmarks are visible through the skin
port-wine stain
a flat vascular birthmark made up of dilated blood capillaries, creating a large, reddish-purple discoloration on the face or neck. This type of birthmark will not resolve without treatment. See the later section “Laser and Light Source Treatments of Skin Conditions.
dermatitis
describes an inflammation of the skin ( dermat means skin, and -itis means inflammation). This condition, which takes many forms, is usually characterized by redness, swelling, and itching
Contact dermatitis
is a localized allergic response caused by contact with an irritant, such as diaper rash. It can also be caused by exposure to an allergen, such as poison ivy, or an allergic reaction to latex gloves
Eczema
also known as atopic dermatitis, is a form of persistent or recurring dermatitis usually characterized by redness, itching, and dryness, with possible blistering, cracking, oozing, or bleeding. This chronic condition, most often seen in infants and children, appears to be the result of a malfunction of the body’s immune system
Exfoliative dermatitis
is a condition in which there is widespread scaling of the skin. It is often accompanied by pruritus, erythroderma (redness), and hair loss. It may occur in severe cases of many common skin conditions, including eczema, psoriasis, and allergic reactions
Pruritus
also known as itching, is associated with most forms of dermatitis
Erythema
redness of the skin due to capillary dilation
Erythema infectiosum
also known as fifth disease, is a mildly contagious viral infection that is common in childhood. This infection produces a red, lace-like rash on the child’s face that looks as if the child has been slapped. It is called “fifth disease” for its place on a list of six common childhood diseases that can cause an exanthem (widespread rash). Others include measles and rubella
Erythema multiforme
is a skin disorder resulting from a generalized allergic reaction to an illness, infection, or medication. This reaction, which affects the skin, the mucous membranes, or both, is characterized by a rash that may appear as nodules or papules (raised red bumps), macules (flat discolored areas), or vesicles or bullae
Erythema pernio
also known as chilblains, is a purple-red inflammation that occurs when the small blood vessels below the skin are damaged, usually due to exposure to cold and damp weather. When warmth restores full circulation, the affected areas begin to itch; however, they usually heal without treatment
Sunburn
a form of erythema in which skin cells are damaged by exposure to the ultraviolet rays in sunlight. This damage increases the chances of later developing skin cancer
Erythroderma
is abnormal redness of the entire skin surface
Exanthem
refers to a widespread rash, usually in children. A rash is a breaking out, or eruption, that changes the color or texture of the skin
Hand, foot, and mouth disease
a mild viral infection common in children under 5 years of age. It is characterized by sores in the mouth and throat and a rash on the hands and feet
Dermatosis
is a general term used to denote skin lesions or eruptions of any type that are not associated with inflammation
Ichthyosis
is a group of hereditary disorders characterized by dry, thickened, and scaly skin ( ichthy means dry or scaly, and -osis means abnormal condition). These conditions are caused either by the slowing of the skin’s natural shedding process or by a rapid increase in the production of the skin’s cells
Lipedema
also known as painful fat syndrome, is a chronic abnormal condition that is characterized by the accumulation of fat and fluid in the tissues just under the skin of the hips and legs ( lip means fat, and -edema means swelling). This condition usually affects women and even with weight loss this localized excess fat does not go away. Note: Don’t confuse this condition with lymphedema, discussed in
Systemic lupus erythematosus
also known as lupus, is an autoimmune disorder characterized by a red, scaly rash on the face and upper trunk. In addition to the skin, this condition also attacks the connective tissue in other body systems, especially in the joints
Psoriasis
is a common skin disorder characterized by flare-ups in which red papules covered with silvery scales occur on the elbows, knees, scalp, back, or buttocks
Rosacea
also known as adult acne, is characterized by tiny red pimples and broken blood vessels. This chronic condition of unknown cause usually develops in individuals with fair skin between 30 and 60 years of age
Rhinophyma
also known as bulbous nose, usually occurs in older men ( rhin/o means nose, and -phyma means growth). This condition is characterized by hyperplasia (overgrowth) of the tissues of the nose and is associated with advanced rosacea
Scleroderma
is an autoimmune disorder in which the connective tissues become thickened and hardened, causing the skin to become hard and swollen ( scler/o means hard, and -derma means skin). This condition can also affect the joints and internal organs
Urticaria
also known as hives, are itchy wheals caused by an allergic reaction
carbuncle
a cluster of connected furuncles
Cellulitis
an acute, rapidly spreading bacterial infection within the connective tissues that is characterized by malaise, swelling, warmth, and red streaks. Note: Do not confuse cellulitis with cellulite, which is discussed earlier in this chapter
Furuncles
also known as boils, are large, tender, swollen areas caused by a staphylococcal infection around hair follicles or sebaceous glands
Gangrene
which is death of tissue, is most commonly caused by a loss of circulation to the affected tissues. The tissue death is followed by bacterial invasion that causes putrefaction, and if this infection enters the bloodstream, it can be fatal. Putrefaction is decay that produces foul-smelling odors
Impetigo
a highly contagious bacterial skin infection that commonly occurs in children. This condition is characterized by isolated pustules that become crusted and rupture
Necrotizing fasciitis
a severe infection caused by group A strep bacteria, which are also known as flesh-eating bacteria. Necrotizing means causing tissue death, and fasciitis is inflammation of fascia. These bacteria normally live harmlessly on the skin; however, if they enter the body through a skin wound, this serious infection can result. If untreated, the infected body tissue is destroyed, and the illness can be fatal
Pyoderma
is any acute, inflammatory, pus-forming bacterial skin infection such as impetigo
Mycosis
describes any abnormal condition or disease caused by a fungus
Tinea
is a fungal infection that can grow on the skin, hair, or nails. This condition is also known as ringworm, not because a worm is involved, but because as the fungus grows on the skin, it spreads out in a worm-like circle, (Figure 12.12). Tinea does not create this pattern when it grows on the nails
Tinea capitis
found on the scalps of children
Tinea corporis
a fungal infection of the skin on the body
Tinea cruris,
also known as jock itch, is found in the genital area
Tinea pedis
also known as athlete’s foot, is most commonly found between the toes. Pedis means feet
Tinea versicolor
also known as pityriasis versicolor, is a fungal infection that causes painless, discolored areas on the skin. Versicolor means a variety of color
infestation
the dwelling of microscopic parasites on external surface tissue. Some parasites live temporarily on the skin. Others lay eggs and reproduce there
Pediculosis
an infestation with lice ( pedicul means lice, and -osis means abnormal condition). In order to get rid of the infestation, the lice eggs, which are known as nits, must be destroyed. There are three types of lice, each attracted to a specific part of the body
Pediculosis capitis
an infestation with head lice
Pediculosis corporis
an infestation with body lice
Pediculosis pubis
an infestation with lice in the pubic hair and pubic region
Scabies
a skin infection caused by an infestation of itch mites. These tiny mites cause small, itchy bumps and blisters by burrowing into the top layer of human skin to lay their eggs. Medications applied to the skin kill the mites; however, itching may persist for several weeks
callus
a thickening of part of the skin on the hands or feet caused by repeated rubbing. Compare with callus in Chapter 3. A clavus, or corn, is a callus in the keratin layer of the skin covering the joints of the toes, usually caused by ill-fitting shoes
cicatrix
is a normal scar resulting from the healing of a wound
Granulation tissue
the tissue that normally forms during the healing of a wound. This tissue eventually forms the scar
Granuloma
is a general term used to describe a small, knot-like swelling of granulation tissue in the epidermis ( granul meaning granular, and -oma means tumor). Granulomas can result from inflammation, injury, or infection
keloid
is an abnormally raised or thickened scar that expands beyond the boundaries of the original incision ( kel means growth or tumor, and -oid means resembling). A tendency to form keloids is often inherited and is more common among people with dark-pigmented skin
keratosis
is any skin growth, such as a wart or a callus, in which there is overgrowth and thickening of the skin ( kerat means hard or horny, and -osis means abnormal condition) (plural, keratoses). Patches of keratosis in the mouth are known as leukoplakia. Note: kerat/o also refers to the cornea of the eye
lipoma
a benign, slow-growing fatty tumor located between the skin and the muscle layer ( lip means fatty, and -oma means tumor). This fatty tumor is usually harmless, and treatment is rarely necessary unless the tumor is in a bothersome location, is painful, or is growing rapidly
Nevus
also known as a mole, is a small, dark skin growth that develops from melanocytes in the skin
dysplastic nevi
are atypical moles that can develop into skin cancer
papilloma
a benign, superficial, wart-like growth on the epithelial tissue or elsewhere in the body, such as in the bladder
Polyp
a general term used most commonly to describe a mushroom-like growth from the surface of a mucous membrane, such as a polyp in the nose. These growths have many causes and are not necessarily malignant
Skin tags
small, flesh-colored or light-brown polyps that hang from the body by fine stalks. Skin tags are benign and tend to enlarge with age
Skin cancer
a malignant growth on the skin which can have many causes, including repeated severe sunburns or long-term exposure to the sun. Skin cancer is becoming very common, affecting about one in five Americans in his or her lifetime. There are three main types of skin cancer: basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma
actinic keratosis
also called a solar keratosis, is a precancerous skin growth that occurs on sun-damaged skin. It often looks like a red, tan, or pink scaly patch and feels like sandpaper. Precancerous describes a growth that is not yet malignant; however, if not treated, it is likely to become malignant
basal cell carcinoma
is a malignant tumor of the basal cell layer of the epidermis. This is the most common and least harmful type of skin cancer because it is slow growing and rarely spreads to other parts of the body. The lesions, which occur mainly on the face or neck and tend to bleed easily, are usually pink and smooth and are raised with a depression in the center
Squamous cell carcinoma
originates as a malignant tumor of the scaly squamous cells of the epithelium; however, it can quickly spread to other body systems. These cancers begin as skin lesions that appear to be sores that will not heal or that have a crusted look
Malignant melanoma
also known as melanoma, is a type of skin cancer that occurs in the melanocytes ( melan means black, and -oma means tumor). This is the most serious type of skin cancer, and often the first signs are changes in the size, shape, or color of a mole. One way to remember this is by thinking of A-B-C-D-E: Asymmetry, Border irregularity, Color variation, Diameter larger than a pencil eraser, and Evolving by changing in size, shape, shade, or color
burn
an injury to body tissues caused by heat, flame, electricity, sun, chemicals, or radiation. The severity of a burn is described according to the percentage of the total body skin surface affected (more than 15% is considered serious). It is also described according to the depth or layers of skin involved
biopsy
he removal of a small piece of living tissue for examination to confirm or establish a diagnosis
incisional biopsy
a piece, but not all, of the tumor or lesion is removed
excisional biopsy
the entire tumor or lesion and a margin of surrounding tissue are removed. Excision means the complete removal of a lesion or organ
needle biopsy
hollow needle is used to remove a core of tissue for examination
Exfoliative cytology
also referred to as skin scraping, is a technique in which cells are scraped from the tissue and examined under a microscope. Exfoliation is the removal of dead epidermal cells, often through sanding or chemabrasion (which is discussed in the next section), and is sometimes done for cosmetic purposes
Sunscreen
that blocks out the harmful ultraviolet B (UVB) rays is sometimes measured in terms of the strength of the sun protection factor
burn center
provides care for serious burns, including pain relief, debridement and dermoplasty (skin grafts), IV fluids and nutritional supplements, antibiotics, cosmetic reconstruction, and rehabilitation
Cauterization
the destruction of tissue by burning
Chemabrasion
also known as a chemical peel, is the use of chemicals to remove the outer layers of skin to treat acne scarring, fine wrinkling, and keratoses
Cryosurgery
also called freezing, is the destruction or elimination of abnormal tissue cells, such as warts or tumors, through the application of extreme cold by using liquid nitrogen
Curettage
the removal of material from the surface by scraping. One use of this technique is to remove basal cell tumors
Debridement
the removal of dirt, foreign objects, damaged tissue, and cellular debris from a wound to prevent infection and to promote healing
irrigation and debridement
procedure, pressurized fluid is used to clean out wound debris
Dermabrasion
a form of abrasion involving the use of a revolving wire brush or sandpaper. It is used to remove acne and chickenpox scars as well as for facial skin rejuvenation
Electrodesiccation
is a surgical technique in which tissue is destroyed using an electric spark. It is primarily used to eliminate small superficial growths and to seal off blood vessels
incision
a cut made with a surgical instrument. Incision and drainage (I & D) in an incision (cutting open) of a lesion, such as an abscess, and the draining of the contents
Mohs surgery
a technique used to treat various types of skin cancer. Individual layers of cancerous tissue are removed and examined under a microscope one at a time until a margin that is clear of all cancerous tissue has been achieved.
laser
an acronym in which the letters stand for light amplification by stimulated emission of radiation. Lasers are used to treat skin conditions and other disorders of the body
Photodynamic therapy
is a technique used to treat damaged and precancerous skin, as well as various types of cancer.
photosensitizing drug
administered topically or by injection. An incubation period is followed by exposure to a specific wavelength of light, administered either externally or endoscopically
Retinoids
a class of chemical compounds derived from vitamin A that are used in skin care and treatment because of their effect on epithelial cell growth. The use of retinoids can, however, make the skin burn more easily
Isotretinoin
known by its trade name of Accutane, is a powerful retinoid taken in pill form for the treatment of severe acne
Tretinoin
the active ingredient in Retin-A and Renova, which are used to treat sun-damaged skin, acne, and wrinkles
Topical steroids
such as hydrocortisone and other more potent variations are used in the treatment of various skin disorders and diseases. These drugs, which are derivatives of the natural corticosteroid hormones produced by the adrenal glands, must be used cautiously to avoid potential side effects, which can include irreversible thinning of the skin.
Blepharoplasty
also known as a lid lift, is the surgical reduction of the upper and lower eyelids by removing sagging skin ( blephar/o means eyelid, and -plasty means surgical repair) (Figure 12.16). A small amount of fat from the patient’s thighs or buttocks is sometimes injected in the hollow below the eye to improve appearance
Botox
formulation of botulinum toxin. This is the same neurotoxin responsible for the form of food poisoning known as botulism. When small, sterile doses are injected into muscles on the forehead, it can temporarily block the nerve signals to the injected muscle for up to 3 to 4 months, reducing moderate to severe frown lines between the eyebrows
Collagen replacement therapy
a form of soft-tissue augmentation used to soften facial lines or scars or to make lips appear fuller. Tiny quantities of collagen are injected under a line or scar to boost the skin’s natural supply of collagen
Dermatoplasty
also known as a skin graft, is the replacement of damaged skin with healthy tissue taken from a donor site on the patient’s body
Electrolysis
the use of electric current to destroy hair follicles in order to produce the relatively permanent removal of undesired hair
Lipectomy
the surgical removal of fat from beneath the skin to improve physical appearance
Liposuction
also known as suction-assisted lipectomy, is the surgical removal of fat beneath the skin with the aid of suction
Rhytidectomy
also known as a facelift, is the surgical removal of excess skin and fat from the face to eliminate wrinkles
Sclerotherapy
the treatment of spider veins by injecting a saline sclerosing solution into the vein. This solution irritates the tissue, causing the veins to collapse and disappear. Spider veins, are small, nonessential veins that can be seen through the skin, often on the legs
