Descriptive Terminology for the Head & Neck exam

Question 1

Lesion

Answer 1

A general term to denote a pathologic or traumatic change in the tissue

Question 2

Macule

Answer 2

Focal area of color change not elevated or depressed in relation to its surroundings; flat

Question 3

Papule

Answer 3

solid, raised lesion less than 5 mm in diameter

Question 4

Nodule

Answer 4

solid, raised lesion greater than 5 mm in diameter

Question 5

Erythematous

Answer 5

red in color

Question 6

Sessile

Answer 6

base is widest part of an elevated lesion

Question 7

Pedunculated

Answer 7

base of an elevated lesion is narrower than the widest part

Question 8

Papillary

Answer 8

exhibiting numerous surface projections

Question 9

Verrucous

Answer 9

exhibiting a rough, warty surface

Question 10

Erosive

Answer 10

superficial, partial or total loss of surface epithelium; may arise secondarily from rupture of bulla (blister)

Question 11

Ulcerated

Answer 11

loss of surface epithelium down to the connective tissue, often appears depressed

Question 12

Fissure

Answer 12

narrow, slit-like ulceration or groove

Question 13

Plaque

Answer 13

slightly elevated and generally flat; (homonym of “plaque” which is the soft white deposit that accumulates on teeth)

Question 14

Petechia(e)

Answer 14

flat, round, pinpoint area(s) of hemorrhage, usually 3 mm or less

Question 15

Purpura

Answer 15

hemorrhage into the skin, larger than petechia, but less than 1 cm

Question 16

Ecchymosis

Answer 16

flat area of hemorrhage larger than 1 cm; bruise

Question 17

Vesicle

Answer 17

fluid-filled, elevated, superficial, 5 mm or less in diameter

Question 18

Bulla

Answer 18

fluid filled, elevated, superficial, greater than 5 mm in diameter

Question 19

Pustule

Answer 19

superficial, circumscribed cavity filled with pus (purulent exudate)

Question 20

Indurated

Answer 20

hardened

Question 21

Fluctuant

Answer 21

wavelike on palpation due to liquid content

Question 22

Copious

Answer 22

present in large quantity

Question 23

Dermatoglyphics

Answer 23

lines forming a skin pattern

Question 24

Crenated

Answer 24

scalloped

Question 25

Varicose

Answer 25

abnormally swollen, distended or dilated

Question 26

Scale

Answer 26

flakes of retained surface keratin

Question 27

Crust

Answer 27

dried blood, serum or purulent exudate on the skin surface