Pathology of the Digestive System Flashcards
Aphthous ulcers (canker sores/mouth ulcers)
Gray-white pits with a red border in the soft tissues lining the mouth. Although the exact cause is unknown, the appearance of these very common sores is associated with stress, certain foods, or fever.
Ulcer
An open lesion of the skin or mucous membrane resulting in tissue loss around the edges.
Cheilosis/chelitis
A disorder of the lips characterized by crack-like sores at the corners of the mouth .
Herpes labialis (cold sores/labia blisters)
Blister-like sores on the lips and adjacent facial tissue that are caused by the oral herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1). Most adults have been infected by this extremely common virus, and in some, it becomes reactivated periodically, causing cold sores.
Leukoplakia
An abnormal white, usually benign lesion that develops on the tongue or the inside of the cheek. These lesions develop in response to chronic irritation in the mouth such as constant rubbing against a broken tooth. Occasionally, leukoplakia patches occur on the genitals, in the digestive system, or in the urinary tract.
Stomatitis
An inflammation of the mucosa of the mouth.
Stomatomycosis
Any disease of the mouth due to a fungus.
Oral thrush
A type of stomatomycosis that develops when the fungus Candida albicans grows out of control. The symptoms are creamy white lesions on the tongue or inner cheeks. This condition occurs most often in infants, older adults with weakened immune systems, or individuals who have been taking antibiotics.
Trismus
Describes any restriction to the opening of the mouth caused by trauma, surgery, or radiation associated with the treatment of oral cancer. This condition causes difficulty in speaking and affects the patient’s nutrition due to impaired ability to chew and swallow.
Xerostomia (dry mouth)
The lack of adequate saliva due to diminished secretions by the salivary glands. This condition can be due to medications or radiation of the salivary glands, and can cause discomfort, difficulty in swallowing, changes in the taste of food, and dental decay.
Bruxism
The involuntary grinding or clenching of the teeth that usually occurs during sleep and is associated with tension or stress. It can also occur habitually during the day. Bruxism wears away tooth structure, damages periodontal tissues, and injures the temporomandibular joint.
Dental caries (tooth decay/cavity)
An infectious disease caused by bacteria that destroy the enamel and dentin of the tooth. If the decay process is not arrested, the pulp can be exposed and become infected.
Dental plaque
A major cause of dental caries and periodontal disease, forms as soft deposits in sheltered areas near the gums and between the teeth. Dental plaque consists of bacteria and bacterial by-products.
Edentulous
Without (naturally occurring) teeth.
Halitosis (“bad breath”)
An unpleasant odor coming from the mouth that can be caused by dental diseases or respiratory or gastric disorders.
Malocclusion
Any deviation from the normal positioning of the upper teeth against the lower teeth.
Periodontal disease (periodontitis)
An inflammation of the tissues that surround and support the teeth. This progressive disease is classified according to the degree of tissue involvement. In severe cases, the gums and bone surrounding the teeth are involved.
Dental calculus/tartar
Dental plaque that has calcified (hardened) on the teeth. These deposits irritate the surrounding tissues and cause increasingly serious periodontal diseases.
Gingivitis
The earliest stage of periodontal disease, and the inflammation affects only the gums.
Acute necrotizing ulcerative gingivitis (trench mouth)
Caused by the abnormal growth of bacteria in the mouth. As this condition progresses, the inflammation, bleeding, deep ulceration, and the death of gum tissue become more severe.
Dysphagia
Difficulty swallowing
Eosinophilic esophagitis
A chronic immune system disease in which a type of white blood cell called an eosinophil builds up in the esophagus, usually as the result of an allergy to certain foods. The resulting inflammation can make it difficult to swallow. This disease appears to be increasingly common in children and adults.
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
The upward flow of acid from the stomach into the esophagus. When this occurs, the stomach acid irritates and damages the delicate lining of the esophagus.
Barrett’s esophagus
A condition that occurs when the cells in the epithelial tissue of the esophagus are damaged by chronic acid exposure. Some patients with chronic GERD develop this complication, which slightly increases the risk of esophageal cancer.
Stricture
An abnormal narrowing of a bodily passage.
Pyrosis (heartburn)
The burning sensation caused by the return of acidic stomach contents into the esophagus.
Esophageal varices
Enlarged and swollen veins at the lower end of the esophagus. Severe bleeding occurs if one of these veins ruptures.
Hiatal hernia
An anatomical abnormality in which a portion of the stomach protrudes upward into the chest, through an opening in the diaphragm. This condition can cause GERD and pyrosis.
Gastritis
A common inflammation of the stomach lining that is often caused by the bacterium Helicobacter pylori.
Gastroenteritis
An inflammation of the mucous membrane lining the stomach and intestines.