Pathology of the Digestive System Flashcards

1
Q

Aphthous ulcers (canker sores/mouth ulcers)

A

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.

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2
Q

Ulcer

A

An open lesion of the skin or mucous membrane resulting in tissue loss around the edges.

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3
Q

Cheilosis/chelitis

A

A disorder of the lips characterized by crack-like sores at the corners of the mouth .

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4
Q

Herpes labialis (cold sores/labia blisters)

A

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.

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5
Q

Leukoplakia

A

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.

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6
Q

Stomatitis

A

An inflammation of the mucosa of the mouth.

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7
Q

Stomatomycosis

A

Any disease of the mouth due to a fungus.

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8
Q

Oral thrush

A

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.

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9
Q

Trismus

A

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.

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10
Q

Xerostomia (dry mouth)

A

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.

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11
Q

Bruxism

A

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.

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12
Q

Dental caries (tooth decay/cavity)

A

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.

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13
Q

Dental plaque

A

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.

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14
Q

Edentulous

A

Without (naturally occurring) teeth.

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15
Q

Halitosis (“bad breath”)

A

An unpleasant odor coming from the mouth that can be caused by dental diseases or respiratory or gastric disorders.

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16
Q

Malocclusion

A

Any deviation from the normal positioning of the upper teeth against the lower teeth.

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17
Q

Periodontal disease (periodontitis)

A

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.

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18
Q

Dental calculus/tartar

A

Dental plaque that has calcified (hardened) on the teeth. These deposits irritate the surrounding tissues and cause increasingly serious periodontal diseases.

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19
Q

Gingivitis

A

The earliest stage of periodontal disease, and the inflammation affects only the gums.

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20
Q

Acute necrotizing ulcerative gingivitis (trench mouth)

A

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.

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21
Q

Dysphagia

A

Difficulty swallowing

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22
Q

Eosinophilic esophagitis

A

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.

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23
Q

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)

A

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.

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24
Q

Barrett’s esophagus

A

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.

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25
Q

Stricture

A

An abnormal narrowing of a bodily passage.

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26
Q

Pyrosis (heartburn)

A

The burning sensation caused by the return of acidic stomach contents into the esophagus.

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27
Q

Esophageal varices

A

Enlarged and swollen veins at the lower end of the esophagus. Severe bleeding occurs if one of these veins ruptures.

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28
Q

Hiatal hernia

A

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.

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29
Q

Gastritis

A

A common inflammation of the stomach lining that is often caused by the bacterium Helicobacter pylori.

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30
Q

Gastroenteritis

A

An inflammation of the mucous membrane lining the stomach and intestines.

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31
Q

Gastroparesis

A

A condition in which the muscles in the stomach slow down and work poorly or not at all, preventing the stomach from emptying normally.

32
Q

Gastrorrhea

A

The excessive secretion of gastric juice or mucus in the stomach.

33
Q

Peptic ulcers

A

Sores that affect the mucous membranes of the digestive system. Peptic ulcers are caused by the bacterium Helicobacter pylori or by medications, such as aspirin, that irritate the mucous membranes. The condition of having peptic ulcers is referred to as peptic ulcer disease.

34
Q

Perforating ulcer

A

A complication of a peptic ulcer in which the ulcer erodes through the entire thickness of the organ wall.

35
Q

Cachexia

A

A condition of physical wasting away due to the loss of weight and muscle mass that occurs in patients with diseases such as advanced cancer or AIDS. Although these patients might be eating enough food, their bodies are unable to absorb enough nutrients.

36
Q

Aerophagia

A

The excessive swallowing of air while eating or drinking and is a common cause of gas in the stomach.

37
Q

Dyspepsia (indigestion)

A

Pain or discomfort in digestion.

38
Q

Emesis

A

Vomiting

39
Q

Erucgtation

A

Burping

40
Q

Hematemesis

A

Vomiting blood - often resembles coffee grounds

41
Q

Hyperemesis

A

Extreme, persistent vomiting that can cause dehydration.

42
Q

Colorectal carcinoma (colon cancer)

A

Often first manifests as polyps

43
Q

Diverticulosis

A

The chronic presence of an abnormal number of diverticula in the colon. Diverticulosis, which often has no symptoms, is believed to be related to a low-fiber diet.

44
Q

Diverticulum

A

A small pouch, or sac, found in the lining or wall of a tubular organ such as the colon.

45
Q

Diverticulitis

A

Sometimes develops as a result of diverticulosis, is the inflammation or infection of one or more diverticulum in the colon. Symptoms of this condition can include sudden abdominal pain, cramping, and nausea.

46
Q

Enteritis

A

An inflammation of the small intestine caused by eating or drinking substances contaminated with viral or bacterial pathogens.

47
Q

Ischemic colitis

A

Occurs when part of the large intestine is partially or completely deprived of blood. If this lack of blood persists, it can lead to inflammation and permanent damage of the affected area.

48
Q

Ileus/paralytic ileus

A

The partial or complete blockage of the small or large intestine. It is caused by the stopping of the normal peristalsis of this area of the intestine. Symptoms of ileus can include severe pain, cramping, abdominal distention, vomiting, and the inability to pass gas or stools.

49
Q

Postoperative ileus

A

A temporary impairment (stoppage) of bowel action that is considered to be a normal response to abdominal surgery. It is often present for 24 to 72 hours, depending on which part of the digestive system was treated.

50
Q

Inflammatory bowel syndrome (IBS)

A

A common condition of unknown cause with symptoms that can include intermittent cramping and abdominal pain, accompanied by constipation or diarrhea. This condition, which is usually aggravated by stress and by eating certain foods, is not believed to be caused by pathogens.

51
Q

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)

A

The general name for diseases that cause inflammation and swelling in the intestines. The two most common inflammatory bowel diseases are ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease.

52
Q

Ulcerative colitis

A

A chronic condition of unknown cause in which repeated episodes of inflammation in the rectum and large intestine cause ulcers (lesions in the mucous membrane) and irritation. Ulcerative colitis usually starts in the rectum and progresses upward to the lower part of the colon; however, it can affect the entire large intestine. Ulcerative colitis affects only the innermost lining and not the deep tissues of the colon.

53
Q

Crohn’s disease (CD)

A

A chronic autoimmune disorder that can occur anywhere in the digestive tract; however, it is most often found in the ileum and in the colon. In contrast to ulcerative colitis, Crohn’s disease generally penetrates every layer of tissue in the affected area. This can result in scarring and thickening of the walls of the affected structures. The most common complication of Crohn’s disease is blockage of the intestine due to swelling and scarring.

54
Q

Intestinal obstruciton

A

The partial or complete blockage of the small or large intestine caused by a physical obstruction. This blockage can result from many causes such as scar tissue, a tumor, or the ingestion of nondigestible materials.

55
Q

Intestinal adhesion

A

Abnormally hold together parts of the intestine that should be separate. This condition, which is caused by inflammation or trauma, can lead to intestinal obstruction.

56
Q

Strangulating obstruction

A

Blood flow to a segment of the intestine is blocked. This can lead to gangrene or perforation.

57
Q

Volulvus

A

The twisting of the intestine on itself, causing an obstruction. Volvulus is a Latin word meaning rolled up or twisted. This condition can cause necrosis of the affected segment of the bowel.

58
Q

Intussusception

A

The telescoping of one part of the small intestine into the opening of an immediately adjacent part. This rare but serious condition is sometimes found in children between three months and six years of age.

59
Q

Strangulated hernia

A

Occurs when a portion of the intestine is constricted inside the hernia, causing ischemia (insufficient oxygen) in this tissue by cutting off its blood supply.

60
Q

Rectocele

A

A bulging of the front wall of the rectum into the vagina, usually as the result of childbirth or pregnancy.

61
Q

Hematochezia

A

The presence of bright red blood in the stool. This bright red color usually indicates that the blood is coming from the lower part of the gastrointestinal tract.

62
Q

Melena

A

The passage of black, tarry, foul-smelling stools. This appearance of the stools is caused by the presence of digested blood and often indicates bleeding in the upper part of the gastrointestinal tract.

63
Q

Steatorrhea

A

The presence of excess fat in the stool. This condition, which results in frothy, foul-smelling stools, is usually caused by pancreatic disease, the removal of the gallbladder, or malabsorption disorders.

64
Q

Ascites

A

An abnormal accumulation of serous fluid in the peritoneal cavity. This condition is usually the result of severe liver disease creating pressure on the liver’s blood vessels. As used here, the term serous means a substance having a watery consistency.

65
Q

Hepatomealgy

A

Enlarged liver

66
Q

Jaundice

A

A yellow color of the skin, mucous membranes, and eyes caused by an excess of bilirubin in the blood.

67
Q

Hepatitis

A

An inflammation of the liver usually caused by a viral infection. Viral hepatitis is the leading cause of liver cancer and the most common reason for liver transplants. (Refer to book for Hep A, B, and C).

68
Q

Cirrhosis

A

A chronic degenerative disease of the liver characterized by scarring. Cirrhosis is often caused by excessive alcohol abuse or by viral hepatitis B or C.
The progress of cirrhosis is marked by the formation of areas of scarred liver tissue that are filled with fat. The liver damage causes abnormal conditions throughout the other body systems.

69
Q

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD)

A

The accumulation of fat in the liver of people who drink little or no alcohol. Those with this condition, which usually has no signs or symptoms, are most often individuals who are obese, have type 2 diabetes or high cholesterol, or a combination of these conditions.

70
Q

Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH)

A

A more serious form of this condition because it consists of fatty accumulations plus liver-damaging inflammation. In some cases, this will progress to cirrhosis.

71
Q

Cholangitis

A

An acute inflammation of the bile duct characterized by pain in the right upper quadrant of the abdomen, fever, and jaundice. The most common cause is a bacterial infection.

72
Q

Cholecystitis

A

Inflammation of the gallbladder, usually associated with gallstones blocking the flow of bile.

73
Q

Gallstone (cholelith)

A

A hard deposit formed in the gallbladder and bile ducts due to the concretion of bile components

74
Q

Cholelithiasis

A

The presence of gallstones in the gallbladder or bile ducts.

75
Q

Biliary colic

A

Pain caused by the passage of a gallstone through the bile duct.