Descriptive Terminology Flashcards
What are characteristics used to describe clinical findings?
Size, site, shape, symmetry, texture, color, border, attachment mode, consistency, number and distribution
Lesion
Denotes pathologic/traumatic change in tissue
Macule
Focal area of color change not elevated or depressed in relation to its surroundings; flat
Papule
Solid, raised lesion less than 5 mm in diameter her
Nodule
Solid, raised lesion greater than 5 mm in diameter
Fissure
Narrow, slit like ulceration or groove
Plaque
Slightly elevated and generally flat; (homonym of “plaque” which is the soft white you deposit that accumulates on teeth)
Petechia(e)
Flat, round, pinpoint areas of hemorrhage, usually 3 mm or less
Purpura
Hemorrhage into the skin, larger than petechia, but less than 1 cm
Ecchymosis
Flat area of hemorrhage and larger than 1 cm; bruise
Varicose
Abnormally swollen, distended or dilated
Scale
Flakes or retained surface keratin
Crust
Dried blood, serum or purulent exudate on skin surface
Erosive
Superficial, partial or total loss of surface epithelium; May arise secondarily from rupture of bulla/blister
Ulcerated
Loss of surface epithelium down to the connective tissue, often appears depressed
Papillary
Exhibiting numerous surface projections
Verrucous
Exhibiting a rough, warty surface
Sessile
Base is the widest part of the lesion
Pedunculated
Base is narrower than the widest part of the lesion
Erythematous
Red in color due to dilation and congestion of capillaries, increased blood flow. Implies injury, infection or inflammatory process
Vesicle
Fluid filled, elevated, superficial, 5 mm or less in diameter
Bulla
Fluid filled, elevated, superficial, greater than 5 mm in diameter
Pustule
Superficial, circumscribed cavity filled with pus (purulent exudate)
Indurated
Hardened
Fluctuant
Wavelike on palpation due to liquid content
Copious
Present in large quantity
Dermatoglyphics
Lines forming a skin pattern
Crenated
Scalloped
