Introductory terminology Flashcards
Define: DISEASE
A certain destructive process in an organism. It usually has a specific cause and characteristic signs and symptoms.
Define: SIGN
Objective evidence of disease. Clinician-discovered.
Define: SYMPTOM
Subjective evidence of disease. Patient-described. It’s what the pt tells the clinician. Examples of ‘symptoms’ = pain and weakness
Define: ASYMPTOMATIC
A disease exhibiting no symptoms.
Define: LOCAL/LOCALISED
The disease is restricted to a part or small area of the body.
Define: GENERALISED
The disease affects all parts of the body, or covers a large area (many organ systemic).
Define: INCIPIENT
A disease or disorder that is just beginning.
Define: ACUTE
A sudden onset of symptoms. Usually only last for a short duration.
Define: CHRONIC
A prolonged disease process. Symptoms generally of a constant nature.
Define: INNOCUOUS/BLAND-LOOKING CELL
Refers to a cell that appears benign histologically.
Define: ATYPICAL
Abnormal or unusual appearance.
Define: MACULE
A small patch of skin that is altered in colour, but not elevated (<1.5cm in diameter).
Define: PAPULE
Are small palpable lesions. The usual definition is that they are less than 0.5cm in diameter. Are raised above the skin surface, and may be solitary or multiple.
Define: NODULE
A little larger than a papule. Greater than 0.5cm in diameter and less than 2cm.
Define: PLAQUE
Solid raised lesion; are larger than papules. Covers a larger area than papule.
Define: WHEAL/HIVE
Covers a large area. More related to allergies. Caused by swelling in the dermis. Wheals often indicate Urticaria allergy is not of a very high level; low-level (itchy skin, scratching causes slightly elevated lesions). More than 5 cm.
Define: VESICLE
A circumscribed elevated lesion that contains free fluid. Are 0.5 cm diameter in size or less.
Define: BULLA
A fluid-filled blister more than 5mm in diameter with thin walls. Is bigger than a vesicle. Has thin walls.
Define: PUSTULE (ABSCESS)
A circumscribed elevated lesion with contains pus. An abscess is usually in the dermis or subcutis.
Define: CYST
A pathological cavity that is filled with air, fluids or semi-solid material, surrounded by a definitive connective tissue wall or capsule. Usually has an epithelial lining.
Define: EROSION
Where the top layer of mucosa of skin is gone. A denudation of epithelium above the basal cell layer. Some of the basal cell layer is still attached.
Define: ULCER
A loss of epithelium that extends below the basal cell layer.
Define: TELANGIESCTASIA
Dilated superficial blood vessels, especially of upper reticular dermal plexus.
Define: PURPURA
Reddish to purple flat lesions caused by blood from vessels leaking into the subcutaneous tissue. Measures 3-10mm.
Define: PETECHIAE
Purpuric lesions that measure <3mm.
Define: ECCHYMOSES
Purpuric lesion >10mm.
Define: SCALE
A heaping-up of stratum corneum or keratin.
Define: CRUST
An accumulation of serum, blood or purulent exudate. Vs scab crusting is a little more reddish, but the terms are pretty similar.
Define: SCLEROSIS
A hardening (or induration) of skin. More fibrous tissue present.
Define: SCAR
Fibrous tissue replacing normal skin in areas of healing. When replaced by connective tissue; collagen fibres more fibrous tissue causes scarring
Define: NIKOLSY’S SIGN
A deadhesion of skin assessed by light pressure at the edge of a pre-existing bulla. Aka when slight rubbing of the skin results in the exfoliation of the outermost layer.
