DMU medical terminology Flashcards
1
Q
leuk/o
A
white
2
Q
melan/o
A
black
3
Q
cyan/o
A
blue
4
Q
xanth/o
A
yellow
5
Q
aden/o
A
gland
6
Q
lip/o
A
fat
7
Q
my/o, myos/o
A
muscle
8
Q
lymph/o
A
lymph tissue
9
Q
carcin/o
A
malignant
10
Q
osteo/o
A
bone
11
Q
endo
A
within, inside of
12
Q
peri
A
around
13
Q
circum
A
around
14
Q
retro
A
behind
15
Q
epi
A
upon, on top
16
Q
trans
A
through
17
Q
intra
A
within
18
Q
sub
A
below
19
Q
cardi/o
A
heart
20
Q
brady
A
slow
21
Q
tachy
A
fast
22
Q
angi/o
A
vessel
23
Q
veno/phlebo
A
vein
24
Q
-stasis
A
to stop
25
-cyte
cell
26
hem/o, -emia
blood
27
atherosclerosis
Literally, “hardening of the fatty stuff.” High fat diets can lead to formation of fatty plaques lining blood vessels. These fatty areas can become calcified and hard leading to arteriosclerosis, hardening of the arteries. When blood vessels become less stretchable, blood pressure rises and can result in heart and kidney damage and strokes.
28
myocardial infarction (MI)
An infarction is blockage of blood flow resulting in death of muscle tissue. Layman’s language for this is a “heart attack.” The blockage occurs in one of the arteries of the heart muscle itself, a coronary artery. Depending upon how much tissue dies, a victim of an MI may survive and undergo cardiac rehabilitation, strengthening the remaining heart muscle, or may die if too much muscle tissue is destroyed.
29
mitral prolapse
Blood flows through four chambers in the heart separated by one-way valves. A major valve is the one separating the upper and lower chambers on the left side of the heart. The left side is especially important because freshly oxygenated blood returning from the lungs is circulated out of the heart to the rest of the body. The left valve, called atrioventricular, for the chambers it separates, is also called the mitral valve, because it is shaped like an upside down Bishop’s hat, a miter. If the flaps of this valve tear away due to disease, the process is called prolapse, “a falling forward.”
30
stenosis
Sometimes a valve is abnormally narrow causing partial obstruction constricting flow. Stenosis means “a narrowing.”
31
regurgitation
Mitral prolapse results in leakage and backward flow called “regurgitation”
32
angina pectoris
Literally, “pain in the chest.” But, this is a special kind of pain associated with the heart and is distinctive as “crushing, vise-like”, and often accompanied by shortness of breath, fatigue and nausea. Anginal pain indicates not enough blood is getting to the heart muscle, and the heart is protesting and begging for more. People with a history of angina often take nitroglycerine tablets to relieve the pain by increasing blood flow to the heart muscle.
33
arrhythmia/dysrhythmia
Abnormal heart rates and rhythms all have special names like ventricular tachycardia, fibrillation, but generically are termed arrhythmias or dysrhythmia, meaning “no rhythm” and “abnormal rhythm.” There are fine distinctions between the two, but they are often used interchangeably.
34
ischema
Sometimes the heart muscle is not getting enough blood flow, more importantly, the oxygen the blood carries is insufficient to sustain muscle which has a very high metabolic rate, and oxygen demand. The term loosely means “not quite enough blood.” Typically, the patient suffers angina pain (see above) and they may think they are having a heart attack. And, they may be!
35
electrocardiogram (ECG/EKG)
printout recording of the electrical activity of the heart
36
electrocardiography
using ultra high frequency sound waves (beyond human hearing), similar to “sonar,” to form an image of the inside of the heart. This procedure can demonstrate valve damage, congenital (before birth) defects and other abnormalities.
37
cardiac catheterization
a long hollow tube, a catheter, can be threaded into an artery up into the heart. Then material opaque to X-rays can be released into the blood flow through the heart imaging the details of coronary arteries. Typically used to identify a blockage and location in the coronary circulation.
38
phlebotomist/venipuncturist
the specially trained nurse or technician draws blood for lab tests and may also start IV’s (intravenous fluids). The Greek and Latin versions of “cutting into a vein.”
39
cephal/o
head
40
encephal/o
inside the head (brain)
41
menig/o
membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord
42
myel/o
spinal cord or bone marrow
43
neur/o
nerve
44
dys
difficult, painful, abnormal
45
-cele
hernia, abnormal protrusion of structure out of normal anatomical position
46
-pathy
disease, abnormality
47
-plasia
development, formation, growth
48
-plegia
paralysis
49
multiple sclerosis
Literally, “many hardenings,” MS is a disease of unknown cause that manifests as multiple hard plaques of degeneration of the insulating layer of nerve fibers in the central nervous system. The loss of insulation allows “short circuiting” of nerve impulses. Depending upon where the degeneration occurs, patients may suffer paralysis, sensory disturbances or blindness.
50
cerebrovascular accident (CVA)
the fancy name for a “stroke”. A blood vessel in the brain may burst causing internal bleeding. Or, a clot may arise in a brain blood vessel (a thrombus), or arise elsewhere (embolus) and travel to get stuck in a brain vessel which then deprives brain tissue of oxygen. Depending upon the area of the brain involved, the patient may suffer paralysis, loss of speech or loss of vision.
51
transient ischemic attack (TIA)
It literally means “not quite enough blood”. A short period of insufficient blood supply to the brain can have the same signs and symptoms as a stroke such as weakness in an arm, a partial loss of vision, but the problem lasts less than 24 hours. People who get TIA’s are at increased risk of having a stroke in the future.
52
epilepsy
a Greek word for “seizure.” Convulsions is another term used. Seizures may have many causes and not all seizures are epilepsy. High fevers in young children may trigger seizures which are short in duration, easily controlled and, typically, have no permanent aftereffects. Epilepsy is a specific condition which may occur at any age, seizures are more intense, longer lasting in duration, and recur with some frequency. The condition may be controlled with medication, or if unresponsive to drugs, may require surgery.
53
aphasia
loss of speech. The speech centers are located on the left side of the brain in a majority of people. If someone suffers a “stroke” (cerebrovascular accident-CVA), or traumatic brain injury, and it involves the left side of the brain, they may suffer speech impediments that vary over a spectrum of problems from difficulty in finding the right word, speaking slowly and with difficulty, or complete loss of speech. Actually, there are two speech centers. Injury described above involves the motor speech area, the area of the brain that produces language by integrating thoughts of speech with the movements of the larynx, lips and tongue. There is a second speech area, the receptive or sensory area, that enables us to understand speech. Injury to the latter results in still fluent speech, but the individual does not understand what they are hearing.
54
lumbar (spinal) puncture or tap (LP)
introducing a needle between the lower bony vertebrae of our spinal column allows a physician to sample the fluid, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), surrounding the brain and spinal cord. Lab tests on the fluid are used for diagnostic purposes such as presence of bacteria in meningitis, special proteins in multiple sclerosis, or blood cells.
55
brain scan
introducing a radioactive element into the blood can image possible tumors in the brain. The radioactive dose is very low and detectable only with special, very sensitive instruments
56
electroencephalography
an image (in this case a written recording) of the brain’s electrical activity. EEGs are used to diagnose different types of seizure disorders such as epilepsy, brain tumors, and are used in sleep research to identify stages of sleep.
57
computed tomography (CT)
a specialized X-ray machine that takes multiple images of a body area from different angles and has a computer that integrates the multiple images into “slices” of the body. The resolution is much better than standard X-rays and there is better differentiation of types of tissue (bone, air, solid organ).
58
magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
Although the image produces the “slices” through the body seen by CT (see above), no X-rays are involved. The patient’s body is placed in a strong magnetic field. Radio pulses affect the resonance or “spin” of atoms in the tissues. A computer analyzes this information to show subtle differences in tissue molecular structure producing very high resolution and better differentiation of soft tissue, such as a tumor within the liver.
59
gastr/o
stomach
60
hepat/o
liver
61
chol/e
gall, bile
62
cyst/o
bladder, sac
63
emes/o
vomit
64
lith/o
stone
65
lapar/o
abdominal wall
66
-centesis
to puncture
67
-tripsy
to crush
68
-rrhea
flow, discharge
69
-iasis, -osis
abnormal condition
70
gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
Severe “heartburn” in laymen’s language. Weakness of the valve between the esophagus and stomach may allow stomach acid to reflux (regurgitate, backup) into the esophagus and irritate and inflame the lining. This results in chest pain which can mimic that of angina (pain of cardiac ischemia or an MI).
71
jaundice
Literally means “yellow” in French. Yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes from a backup of bile metabolic by-products from the blood into body tissues. May result from blockage of the ducts draining bile from the liver into the intestines or excessive breakdown of red blood cells. Hemoglobin from destroyed RBCs is broken down, and in part, ends up in bile secretions.
72
diverticulosis/diverticulitis
Small pouches may form along the walls of the large intestine called diverticuli which if symptomatic, causing discomfort to the patient, is called diverticulosis. These abnormal outpocketings may collect and not be able to empty fecal material which can lead to inflammation, diverticulitis.
73
cirrhosis
Literally, “orange-yellow” in Greek. A degenerative disease of the liver that often develops in chronic alcoholics, but can have other causes. The name refers to the gross appearance of the organ.
74
portal hypertension
A potential complication of chronic alcoholism resulting in liver damage and obstruction of venous blood flow through the liver. The rising blood pressure in the veins between the gastrointestinal tract and liver causes engorgement of veins around the umbilicus (navel). The characteristic radiating pattern of veins is called a “caput medusae” (head of Medusa).
75
esophageal varices
bulging, engorged veins in the walls of the esophagus are often a complication of chronic alcoholism (see portal hypertension). The thin-walled, swollen veins are at risk of tearing resulting in severe, possibly fatal, bleeding.
76
dysphagia
Difficulty swallowing. May be related to GERD (see above), esophageal tumor or other causes.
77
crohn’s disease
a chronic inflammatory disease primarily of the bowel. Typical symptoms are abdominal pain, weight loss, diarrhea. There may also be rectal bleeding that can lead to anemia. Special X-rays and tests are needed to differentiate Crohn’s from other diseases with similar symptoms.
78
peritonitis
Inflammation of the lining of the abdominal cavity. Before antibiotics, people would die from peritonitis if an inflamed appendix burst. Indications of peritonitis are called “peritoneal signs”: tender abdomen, rebound pain (pain when manual pressure released from examining abdomen), board-like rigidity of abdominal muscles, no bowel sounds (gurgles). The peritoneal membrane is very sensitive to exposure to foreign substances. Contact with blood, bile, urine, pus will cause peritoneal signs.
79
guaiac test (hemoccult, fecult)
a special chemical test to identify blood in the stool (feces). Blood in the stool may have many causes including cancer and hemorrhoids
80
upper GI series
a series of X-rays of the esophagus and stomach and small intestines having the patient swallow a “milkshake” of barium. The element barium is opaque, i.e. blocks , X-rays. This procedure may be used to identify problems with swallowing, stomach ulcers, twisting of the small intestines.
81
lower GI series
a series of X-rays using a barium enema to show the large intestine and rectum. This procedure can be used to identify problems such as diverticulitis/diverticulosis, and tumors.
82
endoscopy
use of a flexible fiberoptic instrument attached to a video camera that can be used to directly visualize the esophagus, stomach and large bowel. Special names may be used for each area explored such as colonoscopy.
83
ultrasonography (ultrasound)
a procedure using high frequency sound waves to visualize internal organs. Primarily used to visualize abdominal and pelvic organs, such as the pregnant uterus.
84
rhin/o
nose
85
laryng/o
larynx (voice box)
86
trache/o
trachea (windpipe)
87
bronch/o
lung air passageways
88
pne/u, -pnea
breath, air, lung
89
pulmo/o
lung
90
-ptysis
spitting (coughing)
91
-plasty
reconstruction
92
pneumoconiosis
literally, “an abnormal condition of dust in the lungs.” A generic name for conditions where toxic particles become trapped in the lungs and cause symptoms and disability such a “black lung” or “miner’s lung” disease. Terms specific to the particulate matter may be given such as asbestosis.
93
epistaxis
nosebleed
94
cystic fibrosis
an inheritable disease that affects not only the lungs but other systems producing mucous such as the digestive system. Patients suffer frequent lung infections that are hard to treat because mucous is thick and sluggish and result in increased scarring (fibrosis) of the lungs. They also take multiple enzyme pills because of digestive abnormalities related to abnormal mucous production.
95
emphysema (COPD)
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, of which emphysema is one of, results in progressive destruction of the air sacs in the lungs and loss of respiratory membrane for oxygen exchange.
96
atelectasis
a collapsed lung. Literally, “an imperfect expansion” in Greek.
97
pulmonary angiography
special x-rays of the vessels of the lungs
98
laryngoscopy
visual examination of the larynx
99
endotracheal intubation
passing a special air-tube into the trachea so oxygen can be reliably supplied directly to the lungs without risk of inhaling vomit from the stomach. Typically done for surgery or whenever general anesthesia is administered among other situations where the patient’s airway must be secured.
100
nephr/o, ren/o
kidney
101
hydro/o
water
102
pyel/o
renal collecting ducts
103
ur/o, -uria
urine
104
olig/o
scanty, less than normal
105
-pexy
to surgically reattach, fix in normal position
106
nephrosis
a noninflammitory disease of kidneys
107
nephrolith
a kidney stone
108
urethritis
inflammation of the urethra, the final pathway for urine in both sexes, and the common pathway for semen and urine in males
109
nocturia
frequent getting up and urinating during the night
110
enuresis
involuntary release of urine, most often in reference to bedwetting
111
cystoscopy
looking into the urinary bladder with a fiberoptic instrument
112
intravenous pyelogram
special X-rays showing the drainage pattern of the kidneys. A dye opaque to X-rays is injected into a vein. After a waiting period for the blood and dye to pass through the kidneys, X-rays can be taken of the collecting system of the kidney, ureter and bladder.
113
retrograde pyelogram
In this procedure a dye opaque to X-rays is flushed backwards up the urethra and bladder and up the ureters to the kidneys.
114
voiding cystourethrogram
an imaging technique (X-ray) displaying the urethra and bladder while urinating! How did the opaque dye get into the bladder? One guess then see retrograde pyelogram above.
115
dialysis
a procedure for cleansing the blood of waste products in individuals with complete kidney failure or who have had kidneys removed by surgery. With the in-hospital procedure, the patient’s blood is circulated through a machine that removes waste products. The blood is recirculated back into the patient.
116
lithotripsy
Crushing kidney stones with sound waves. Unlike cholelithotripsy (crushing of gallstones), which is no longer done, the sludge from crushing kidney stones has an easy direct pathway out of the body (down the ureter to the bladder and out the urethra). Nephrolithotripsy is an elective procedure that may spare a patient surgery.
117
orchid/o, test/o
testes
118
balan/o
head of the penis
119
andr/o
male
120
prostat/o
prostate
121
vas/o
vessel, duct
122
-rrhaphy
to suture
123
hypospadias
literally “below the fleshy spike.” A condition in which the external urinary meatus (opening) opens anywhere below the tip of the penis rather than at the tip.
124
hydrocele
a fluid filled sac partially surrounding the testis. Manifests itself as a swelling on the side of the scrotum. May cause discomfort. Can be surgically corrected.
125
varicocele
dilated and twisted veins of the testis, sort of “hemorrhoids” of the scrotum! Manifests itself as a swelling on the side of the scrotum which may look and feel like a “bag of worms.” May be surgically corrected if causing discomfort. This condition may also cause reduced sperm count and male sterility due to sluggish blood flow elevating testicular temperature.
126
cryptorchidism
literally “hidden testicle.” A condition of lack of descent of one or both testes into the scrotum. If not corrected, usually by surgery, before puberty, can lead to sterility and increased risk of testicular cancer.
127
benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH)
swelling of the prostate gland which surrounds the base of the male bladder and urethra causing difficulty urinating, dribbling, and nocturia (remember that word? See urinary system). The bane of old men! BPH becomes more common as men age.
128
transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP)
the surgical cure for BPH. An instrument inserted through the penile urethra is used to partially cut away the prostate to relieve obstruction of the urinary tract.
129
prostate specific antigen (PSA)
PSA is a marker protein for prostate cell secretions which can be detected with a lab test. A rising PSA may be an early sign of prostate cancer, although there may be other causes including false positive tests.
130
hymen
membrane surrounding entrance of vagina
131
aphrodisiac
a chemical purported to stimulate sexual desire
132
venereal disease
a sexually transmitted infectious disease
133
hermaphroditism
a condition where both ovarian and testicular tissue are found in the same individual
134
priapism
a continuous, painful erection
135
satyriasis
a condition of compulsive sexual desire in men
136
hyster/o, metr
uterus
137
salping/o, -salpinx
uterine tube
138
colp/o
vagina
139
oophor/o
ovary
140
men/o
menstruation
141
mamm/o, mast/o
breast
142
-pareunia, coitus
intercourse
143
endometriosis
a condition involving colonization of the abdominal/pelvic cavity with islands of endometrial tissue. Endometrium is the lining layer of the uterus which sloughs off with each menstruation. If endometrial tissue flushes up the uterine tube and spills into the abdomen (peritoneal cavity), the clots of endometrial tissue can attach to abdominal organs such as the bladder, rectum, intestinal loops and then cycle along with the uterus in response to monthly changes in ovarian hormones. Bleeding into the abdomen irritates the lining membrane, the peritoneum, and causes abdominal pain.
144
pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)
although males have a closed abdominal cavity, the female abdominal cavity has a direct anatomical path from the outside world via the female reproductive tract. Bacteria can make their way up the vagina, through the uterus, and traverse the uterine tubes which open into the abdominal cavity. Inflammation of the lining of the abdominal cavity, the peritoneum, causes abdominal pain. Although there are many potential causes of PID, gonorrheal infection is one of them. Chronic Inflammation of the uterine tubes can occlude them resulting in infertility.
145
prolapsed uterus
the uterus is almost directly above the vagina. In fact, the cervix, the neck region, of the uterus extends into the upper vagina. Ligaments hold the uterus in proper position so that it does not prolapse or herniate into the vagina. Severe prolapse can result in the uterine cervix protruding from the vaginal opening. Surgical repair is typically required to restore the uterus to its proper anatomical position.
146
episiotomy
a surgical procedure cutting into the perineal area, the area between the vagina and anus in order to prevent tearing of tissues when the baby’s head traverses the vaginal opening.
147
hysterosalpingogram
special X-rays of the uterus and uterine tubes involving passing an opaque dye backwards up through the uterus to determine if the tubes are patent. Since the tubes are open into the abdominal (peritoneal) cavity, if patent, dye should spill out of the end of the tubes and be manifest on the X-ray.
148
colposcopy
using a magnifying instrument to inspect the interior of the vagina and cervix, the entrance to the uterus.
149
dilatation and curettage (D&C)
dilating the cervix, the entrance into the uterus, and passing instruments that enable scraping off superficial layers of the endometrium. May be done as an early therapeutic abortion, or following a normal pregnancy to remove residual tissue remaining in the uterus, or may be done as a diagnostic procedure to examine lining tissue of the uterus.
150
mammoplasty
Surgical reconstruction of the breast may involve breast enlargement or reduction or cosmetic reconstruction after mastectomy.
151
pudendal block
An anesthetic administered to block sensation around the lower vagina and perineum. This facilitates performing an episiotomy (see above) allowing passage of the baby’s head while avoiding uncontrolled tearing of tissues.
152
-gravida
pregnancy
153
-para
live birth
154
part/o, toc/o
labor, birth, delivery
155
abrupto placentae
(Latin, “breaking off”). Premature separation of a normally implanted placenta before full term. Occurs in only about 1% of pregnancies. However, it has a 20-40% fetal mortality rate and is a significant contributor to maternal mortality.
156
placenta previa
(Latin, “leading the way”). A placenta implanted over the cervical region of the uterus blocking the entrance to the birth canal. Occurs in less than one percent of pregnancies, but can cause significant bleeding and require a complicated delivery.
157
eclampsia
(toxemia of pregnancy )- a serious and life-threatening condition that may develop during pregnancy involving hypertension, convulsions and coma. A less severe form, preeclampsia, may develop but can be managed if identified and treated early.
158
ectopic pregnancy
(Greek, “out of place”). A pregnancy implanted anywhere outside of the uterus. The uterine tube (Fallopian tube) is the most common location, also called a “tubal pregnancy”. The abdominal cavity is the least common location. Occurs in about 2% of pregnancies. When it occurs, it is a surgical emergency, because the uterine tube cannot sustain tremendous expansion like the uterus. Eventually, the uterine tube will rupture with severe, possibly fatal, hemorrhaging.
159
chondr/o
cartilage
160
arthr/o
joint
161
myel/o
bone marrow
162
ten/o, tendin/o
tendon (binds muscle to bone)
163
ligament/o
ligament (binds bone to bone)
164
burs/o
bursa, “bag” (shock absorber between tendons and bones)
165
-malacia
softening
166
-porosis
porous
167
-asthenia
weakness, loss of strength
168
-trophy
development, stimulation, maintenance
169
-algia, algesia
pain
170
arthritis
as we age, our joint tissues become less resilient to wear and tear and start to degenerate manifesting as swelling, pain, and oftentimes, loss of mobility of joints. Changes occur in both joint soft tissues and the opposing bones, a condition called osteoarthritis. A more serious form of the disease is called rheumatoid arthritis. The latter is an autoimmune disease wherein the body produces antibodies against joint tissues causing chronic inflammation resulting in severe joint damage, pain, and immobility
171
osteoporosis
“porous bone.” The bane of the old, especially women. The hard, rock-like quality of bone is dependent upon calcium. When too much calcium is dissolved from bones or not enough is replaced, bones lose density and are easily fractured. Estrogen, the female sex hormone, helps maintain proper calcium levels in bones. Once the ovaries stop producing the hormone, women are at higher risk of developing osteoporosis. A collapse of bony vertebrae of the spinal column results in loss of height and stooped posture. Hip fractures are a common occurrence.
172
osteomalacia
“soft bones.” If not enough calcium is deposited during early childhood development, the bones do not become rock-hard, but rubbery. Both adequate calcium in the diet and vitamin D, primarily, from normal sunlight exposure or supplementation, are necessary for normal bone development. Before vitamin supplementation to milk, “rickets,” another name for osteomalacia in children, was common resulting in the classic bowed legs in the affected child.
173
carpal tunnel syndrome
People whose job involves repeated flexing of the wrists may develop tingling and/or pain in their thumb, index and middle fingers, along with weakness of movements of the thumb, especially grasping an object. The main nerve for finely controlled thumb movements passes through a bony/ligamentous canal on the bottom of the wrist. Repetitive flexing movements may inflame and thicken the ligament over the “tunnel” through the wrist bones trapping and compressing the nerve.
174
tendonitis
Repeated strain on a tendon, attachment of a muscle to bone, can inflame the tendon resulting in pain and difficulty with movement involving the muscle. Tendons have a poor blood supply; therefore, they typically take a long time to health on the order of six weeks or more.
175
rotator cuff tear
Muscles surrounding the shoulder joint are involved in rotating the shoulder with upper arm and hand forward and backward, among other movements. The tendons of these muscles also contribute to the structural strength of the shoulder joint. Hard, fast movements, such as in tennis and baseball can tear one of these tendons resulting in pain and decreased mobility of the shoulder. Surgery may be needed to repair a torn tendon.
176
bursitits
A bursa is a small, closed bag with a minimum amount of lubricatory fluid that serves as a shock absorber where bones make close contact and to minimize trauma and friction where tendons cross bones and joints. Inflammation leads to pain and immobility in a joint area.
177
muscular dystrophy
Muscular dystrophy is a group of inherited diseases in which the muscles that control movement progressively weaken. The prefix, dys-, means abnormal. The root, -trophy, refers to maintaining normal nourishment, structure and function. The most common form in children is called Duchenne muscular dystrophy and affects only males. It usually appears between the ages of 2 to 6 and the afflicted live typically into late teens to early 20s.
178
myasthenia gravis
“Muscular weakness, profound”. This is an autoimmune disease that involves production of antibodies that interfere with nerves stimulating muscle contractions. Face and neck muscles are the most obviously affected, manifesting as drooping eyelids, double vision, difficulty swallowing and general fatigue. There is no actual paralysis of muscles involved, but a rapid fatiguing of function.
179
lupus erythematosus
An autoimmune disease wherein the body produces antibodies against a variety of organs, especially connective tissues of skin and joints. Mild Lupus may involve a distinctive butterfly-shaped rash over the nose and cheeks. Mild lupus may also involve myalgia and arthralgia (remember these words?) Severe or systemic lupus (SLE) involves inflammation of multiple organ systems such as the heart, lungs, or kidneys.
180
arthroscopy
A fiberoptic instrument is introduced into a joint cavity in order to visualize surfaces of bones entering into a joint, find tears in internal joint structures and evaluate sources of inflammation.
181
bone scan
A radioactive element in very small amounts, not enough to cause any radiation injury to the patient, is introduced into the blood stream. The specially selected element accumulates in bone and using a much more sophisticated version of the old Geiger Counter instrument, the distribution of the element is used to diagnose potential bone tumors among other bone pathologies.
182
electromyography
“a recording of muscle electrical activity.” Fine needles are introduced into muscles in order to make recordings of contractile activity. This procedure is useful in evaluating causes of paralysis, diagnosing muscular dystrophy and other neuromuscular disorders.
183
muscle biopsy
Cutting out a small tissue sample of muscle in order to examine it under a microscope. This procedure can be useful in diagnosing muscular dystrophy and other neuromuscular disorders.
184
tumor markers
Tumor markers are substances that are produced by tumors or the body’s response to presence of a tumor. Tumor markers found in various body fluids, such as the blood, can be useful in the detection and response to treatment of certain cancers. However, most tumor markers are not specific for cancer and they may be present or even elevated with benign diseases. The absence of a tumor marker can also be useful in confirming successful cancer treatment; whereas an increase in the tumor marker level may indicate recurrence. Two well known markers are Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA) for prostate cancer and CA-125 for ovarian cancer.
185
radiosensitive
cancer degenerates in response to radiation
186
radioresistant
the cancer may have a partial response or doesn’t respond at all
187
fractionation
a treatment radiation dose is broken down into multiple exposures over several weeks to minimize side effects
188
cryosurgery
destroying malignant tissue by freezing it with a cold probe. Often used for soft tissues like liver or kidney.
189
fulguration
“Lightning” in Latin. Malignant tissue is destroyed with an electrocautery instrument (electric current).
190
excisional biopsy
simultaneous tissue sampling and removal of a tumor with a safe margin of normal tissue. Frequently done with suspicious skin lesions; example, malignant melanoma.
191
resect
to cut and remove a segment of an organ containing a tumor.
192
en bloc resection
removal of the tumor and any surrounding organs or tissues that may be involved. This is often necessary for large abdominal sarcomas.
193
sarcoma
A rare form of cancer arises from connective and supportive tissues, examples: bone, fat, muscle, and other connective tissues. Some names of this type of tumor would be: osteosarcoma (malignancy of bone), liposarcoma (fat) and gastrointestinal stromal tumor. Note that the term sarcoma does not always appear in the name.
194
analgesics
```
pain pills Ex.Aleve (naproxen) Aspirin
Celebrex (celecoxib)
Codeine
Motrin (ibuprofen)
Tylenol (acetaminophen)
```
195
antacids
indigestion pills Ex. Prevacid (lansoprazole)
Prilosec (omeprazole)-OTC
Tums
Zantac (ranitidine)
196
antiarthritic
```
rheumatism pills Ex. Aspirin
Aleve (naproxin)
Celebrex (celecoxib)
Humira (adalimumab)
Remicade (infliximab)
```
197
antibiotics
```
bug killers Ex. Amoxil (amoxicillin)
Erythromycin
Keflex (cephalexin)
Pen-Vee (Penicillin)
Septra (sulfamethoxazole)
Vibramycin (doxycycline)
```
198
anticoagulants
blood thinners Ex. Coumadin (warfarin)
Heparin
Plavix (clopidogrel)
199
anticonvulsants
epilepsy drugs Ex. Dilantin (phenytoin)
Phenobarbital
Neurontin
(gabapentin)
200
antidepressants
uppers Ex. Elavil (amitriptyline)
Prozac (fluoxetine)
Zoloft (sertraline)
201
antihistamines
cold and flu pills Ex. Allegra (fexofenadine)
Benadryl (diphenhydramine)
Claritin (loratadine)
202
antihyperlipidemics
```
cholesterol pills Ex. Lipitor (atorvastatin)
Niaspan (Niacin)
Pravachol (pravastatin)
Questran (cholestyramine)
Zocor (simvastatin)
```
203
antihypertensives
```
blood pressure pills Ex. Norvasc (amlodipine besylate)
Captopen (captopril)
Inderal (propranolol)
Lotensin (benazepril)
Tenormin (atenolol)
Zestril (lisinopril)
```
204
cardiac drugs
```
heart medicine Ex. Cardizem (diltiazem)
Cordarone (amiodarone)
Inderal (propranolol)
Lanoxin (digoxin)
Nitrostat (nitroglycerin)
```
205
diuretics
water pills Ex. Hydrodiuril (hydrochlorothiazide)
| Lasix (furosemide)
206
erectile dysfunction
man’s best friend Ex. Cialis (tadalafil)
Levitra(vardenafil)
Viagra (sildenafil)
207
hypnotics
sleeping pills Ex. Ambien (zolpidemtartrate)
Lunesta (eszopiclone)
Sonata (zaleplon)
208
hyperglycemic agents
diabetic drugs Ex. Diabeta (Glyburide)
Glucophage (metformin)
Glucotrol (glipizide)
Insulin
209
osteoporosis therapy
bone pills Ex. Actonel (risendronate)
Boniva (ibandronate)
Fosamax (alendronate)
210
tranquilizers
downers Ex. Valium (diazepam)
| Xanax (alprazolam)
