Lymphatic and Immune Pathology Flashcards
Allergist
A physician who specializes in testing for and treating allergies
Immunology
A branch of medicine concerned with diagnosis and treatment of infection diseases and other disorders of the immune system. Physician is an ‘immunologist.’
Pathology
A branch of medicine concerned with determining the underlying causes and development. Physician is an ‘immunologist.’
Hives
Appearance of wheals as part of an allergic reaction
Inflammation
The tissues’ response to injury from pathogens or physical agents. Characterized by redness, pain, swelling, and feeling hot to touch
Lymphedema
Edema appearing in the extremities due to an obstruction of the lymph flow through the lymphatic vessels
Pathogenic
An adjective term to describe something–such as bacteria, viruses, or toxins–that produce disease
Spelnomegaly
An enlarged spleen
Urticaria
Severe itching associated with hives, usually linked to food allergy, stress, or drug reactions
Allergy
Hypersensitivity to a common substance in the environment or to a medication. The substance causing the allergic reaction is called an ‘allergen.’
Anaphylactic Shock
Life-threatening condition resulting from a severe allergic reaction. Examples of instances that may trigger this reaction include bee stings, medications, or the ingestion of foods. Circulatory and respiratory problems occur, including respiratory distress, hypotension, edema, tachycardia, and convulsions, Also called ‘anaphylaxis.’
Adenoiditis
Inflammation of the adenoids
Autoimmune Disease
A disease resulting from the body’s immune system attacking its own cells as if they were pathogens. Examples include systemic lupus erythematosus, rheumatoid arthritis, and multiple sclerosis
Elephantiasis
Inflammation, obstruction, and destruction of the lymph vessels resulting in enlarged tissues due to edema
Hodgkin’s Disease (HD)
Also called ‘Hodgkin’s lymphoma.’ Caner of the lymphatic cells found in concentration in the lymph nodes. Named after Thomas Hodgkin, a British physician, who first described it
Lymphadenitis
Inflammation of the lymph nodes. Referred to as ‘swollen glands.’
Lymphadenopathy
A general term for lymph node diseases
Lymphangioma
A tumor in a lymphatic vessel
Lymphoma
A tumor in lymphatic tissue
Mononucleosis (mono)
Acute infectious disease with a larger number of abnormal mononuclear lymphocytes. Caused by the Epstein-Barr virus. Abnormal liver function may occur
Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma (NHL)
Cancer of the lymphatic tissues other than Hodgkin’s lymphoma
Thymoma
A tumor of the thymus gland
Tonsillitis
Inflammation of the tonsils
Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS)
Disease involving a defect in the cell-mediated immunity system. A syndrome of opportunistic infections occurring in the final stages of infection with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). This virus attacks T4 lymphocytes and destroys them, reducing the person’s ability to fight infection
AIDS-related complex (ARC)
Early stage of AIDS. There is a positive test for the virus, but only mild symptoms of weight loss, fatigue, skin rash, and anorexia
Graft Versus Host Disease (GVHD)
Serious complication of bone marrow transplant (graft). Immune cells from the donor bone marrow attack the recipient’s (host’s) tissues
Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)
Virus that causes AIDS; also known as a ‘retrovirus.’
Immunocompromised
Having an immune system that is unable to respond properly to pathogens. Also called ‘immunodeficiency disorder.’
Kaposi’s Sarcoma (KS)
Form of skin cancer frequently seen in patients with AIDS. It consists of brownish-purple papules that spread from the skin and metastasize to internal organs. Named for Moritz Kaposi, an Austrian dermatologist
Opportunistic Infections
Infectious diseases associated with patients who have compromised immune systems and therefore a lowered resistance to infections and parasites. May be the result of HIV infection
Pneumocystis Pneumonia (PCP)
Pneumonia common in patients with weakened immune systems, such as AIDS patients, caused by the Pneumocystis jiroveci fungus
Sarcoidosis
Disease of unknown cause that forms fibrous lesions commonly appearing in the lymph nodes, liver, skin, lungs, spleen, eyes, and small bones of the hands and feet
Severe Combined Immunodeficiency Syndrome (SCIDS)
Disease seen in children born with a non-functioning immune system. Often these children are forced to live in sealed sterile rooms
