Unit 1 - Disease and medical terminology Flashcards
-aemia or -emia
blood condition (as in anemia)
-otomy
Cutting into an organ or tissue, preceded by the name of the organ (lobotomy)
-ectomy
Surgery that removes an organ begins with the name of the organ and is
followed by –ectomy (appendectomy)
-oscopy
A small incision is made to allow access to internal organs (laparoscopy)
-ostomy
Creates a permanent opening or stoma (colostomy)
-oplasty
Reconstruction, cosmetic, or plastic sugery (rhinoplasty)
-rraphy
Repair of damaged or congenital abnormalities (herniorraphy)
Emergency surgeries
Emergency surgeries must be performed to preserve life, limb, or function.
Elective surgeries
Elective surgeries are not performed as a result of life-threatening
conditions or situations
Semi-elective surgeries
Semi-elective surgeries can be postponed, but are necessary to
prevent disability or death.
Therapeutic surgeries
Therapeutic surgeries treat a condition that has been diagnosed.
Exploratory surgeries
Exploratory surgeries are used to confirm a diagnosis.
How is cancer staged?
Stage I: Cancer is in its earliest, most treatable stage. It has not spread.
Stage II: Cancer has progressed, but is still contained to a specific location in the body.
Stage III: Cancer has spread to affect nearby tissues.
Stage IV: Cancer has spread to affect distant tissues and organs in the body. Treatment
is difficult.
-algia, alg(i)o-
pain (myalgia)
ankyl(o)-, ancyl(o)-
something crooked or bent (ankylosis)
arthro-
of or pertaining to the joints or limbs (arthritis)
-asthenia
weakness (myasthenia gravis)
blast(o)-
germ or bud (blastomere)
brady-
slow (bradycardia)
carcin(o)-
cancer (carcinogen)
-cidal, -cide
killing or destroying (suicide)
contra
against (contraindications)
-crine
to secrete (endocrine)
cyph-
bent (cyphosis)
cyt(o)-, -cyte
cell (cytokine, leukocyte)
de-
away from, cessation (debridement)
-dynia
pain (vulvodynia)
dys-
bad, difficult (dysphasia)
-emesis
vomiting condition (hematemesis)
hemat-, haemato-
of or pertaining to blood
hema- or hemo-
blood (hematology)
hepat-
of or pertaining to the liver (hepatitis)
hypo-
below normal (hypoglycemia)
hyper-
extreme or beyond normal (hyperactivity)
-iasis
condition (mydriasis)
-ics
organized treatment or knowledge (obstetrics)
-ism
condition or disease (dwarfism)
-itis
inflammation of (tonsillitis)
-lepsis or –lepsy
attack or seizure (epilepsy)
logist
someone who studies a particular field (oncologist)
-ology
the academic study or practice of a certain field (urology)
myc(o)-
fungus
narc(o)-
sleep or numb (narcolepsy)
necr(o)-
death (necrosis)
odyn(o)-
pain (stomatodynia)
-oma, -omata
tumor, mass, collection (sarcoma)
onco-
tumor, bulk, volume (oncology)
-osis
condition or disease (psychosis)
pachy-
thick (pachyderma)
para-
abnormal
patho-
disease (pathology)
-pathy
disease (neuropathy)
-penia
deficiency (osteopenia)
-pepsia
relating to the digestive tract (dyspepsia)
pharmaco-
medication, drug (pharmacology)
-phobia
exaggerated fear or sensitivity (arachnophobia)
-plasia
formation, development (dysplasia)
-plasty
surgical repair or reconstruction (rhinoplasty)
-plexy
stroke or seizure (cataplexy)
presby(o)-
old age (presbyopia)
psor-
itching (psoriasis)
pyo-
pus (pyometra)
pyro-
fever (antipyretic)
-ptosis
drooping, prolapse (nephroptosis)
-rrhage
burst forth (hemorrhage)
-rrhoea
discharge (diarrhea)
scoli(o)-
twisted (scoliosis)
-spadias
split or fissure (hypospadias)
spasmo-
spasm (spasmodic)
squam(o)-
scaly or full of scales (squamous cell)
stenosis
abnormal narrowing of a blood vessel or tubular structure or organ (stenosis)
tachy-
irregularly fast (tachycardia)
-tension, -tensive
pressure (hypertension)
tetan-
rigid, tense (tetanus)
therap(o)-
treatment (hydrotherapy)
thromb(o)-
clotting of blood (thrombosis)
toxi-, toxo-, toxico-
poison (toxicity)
ultra-
beyond, excessive
varic(o)-
swollen or twisted vein (varicose)
-y
condition or process (surgery)
Medications used to treat rheumatoid arthritis
- NSAIDs
- Steroids
- DMARDs (Disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs)
- TNF-alpha inhibitors
- Immunosuppressants
Medical terminology
Root word
The root word is typically
Greek or Latin in origin and describes a part of the body. It is usually unable to stand alone and
thereby needs a prefix or suffix to modify it. For example, nephros or renes are the root words
for the kidneys, but the root needs additional modifiers to make sense.
Role of prefixes in medical terminology
The prefix is added to the front of the root word to give additional information about the body part it describes. It can include location, number of parts, or time involved.
Role of suffixes in medical terminology
Suffixes are added to
the end of the word and provides additional meaning of the condition, procedure, or disease process.
How to approach medical terms
The best approach is to look at the suffix first, then decode the
prefix, and finally decipher the root word.
Categories of diagnostic tests
Non-invasive, minimally invasive, and invasive
Non-invasive diagnostic tests
Non-invasive tests do not break the skin and do not result in contact with internal body cavities
beyond the natural body orifices.
Minimally invasive diagnostic tests
Minimally invasive tests are less invasive than surgery, but
involve the use of medical devices like an endoscope or laparoscope. These procedures usually
require a cut in the skin or access to a body cavity or anatomical opening.
Invasive diagnostic tests
Invasive tests are also
called open surgery and require penetration or cuts in the skin or entrance to a body cavity.
Clinical exam
A clinical exam usually involves a check of pulse, blood pressure, height, weight, temperature,
respiration, and abdominal examination.
Complete blood count
Components of the blood are measured, including red blood cell count,
white blood cell count, and platelets.
Perioperative period
Refers to three phases of surgery: preoperative, intraoperative, and
postoperative
-ectomy
Surgery that removes an organ begins with the name of the organ and is
followed by –ectomy (appendectomy)
-otomy
Cutting into an organ or tissue, preceded by the name of the organ (lobotomy)
-oscopy
A small incision is made to allow access to internal organs (laparoscopy)
-ostomy
Creates a permanent opening or stoma (colostomy)
-oplasty
Reconstruction, cosmetic, or plastic sugery (rhinoplasty)
-rraphy
Repair of damaged or congenital abnormalities (herniorraphy)
Therapeutic surgeries
Surgery to treat a condition that has been diagnosed
Exploratory surgeries
Surgeries that are used to confirm a diagnosis.
Percentage of deaths worldwide caused by the two top causes of death
48% of deaths caused by heart disease
21% of deaths caused by cancer
General symptoms of cancer
Unexplained anemia, weight gain or loss, fever, night sweats, and pain, discomfort, or an unusual texture in a specific area.
More specific symptoms associated with particular forms can include hoarseness, skin changes, changes in bowel or bladder habits, and persistent indigestion
Examples of diagnostic tests for cancer
Blood tests Biopsy X-rays CT scan PET scan MRI Ultrasound
Treatment of cancer
- Surgery: Surgery is performed to remove the tumor. In cases where the
tumor has metastasized or if the cancer is located in an area in which surgery would endanger the patient’s life, surgery is not feasible. - Chemotherapy: Drugs are injected, usually intravenously, to kill cancer cells.
- Radiation therapy: High-powered beams target and kill cancer cells. Radiation
treatment from outside the body is called external beam radiation - Bone marrow transplant and peripheral blood stem cell transplants: Healthy stem
cells, are collected either from the patient or a donor and injected into the body. - Biological therapy: This kind of cancer treatment trains the body’s immune system to attack and eliminate cancer cells.
- Hormone therapy: Blockage of hormones used by hormone-dependent tumours
- Targeted drug therapy: These medications hone in on a tumor’s particular survival
mechanism and target whatever abnormality is fueling growth. - Clinical trials: These are studies to help find new treatments for cancer.
- Palliative care
Brachytherapy
Radiation therapy placed inside the body
external beam radiation
Radiation therapy from outside the body
Which cells does HIV target?
T-cells, also called CD4 cells
True or false. HIV only becomes contagious once a patient is symptomatic
False. HIV is transmissible even when a patient is asymptomatic
What is usually the first sign of HIV infection?
Flu-like symptoms approximately 1 month after exposure that might disappear after 1 to 4 weeks
Symptoms and complications that emerge as HIV progresses
- Men and women may develop thrush
- Women may develop severe vaginal yeast infections and/or PID
- Shingles
- A persistent, recurring fever
- Night sweats
- Fatigue unrelated to stress or lack of sleep
- Feeling sick
- Weight loss
- Lymphadenopathy in the neck, underarms, or groin
Symptoms of AIDS
Soaking night sweats Cough Shortness of breath Headaches Fever of 100 degrees for several weeks Shaking chills Swollen glands Chronic diarrhea Unusual lesions on the tongue Fatigue Blurred vision Skin rashes Weight loss
Phases of HIV before AIDS
- Primary infection
2. Clinical latent infection (8 to 10 years)
Clinical exam
- Pulse
- Blood pressure
- Height
- Weight
- Temperature
- Respiration
- Abdominal examination
Risk factors for cancer
- Age
- Family history
- Lifestyle factors (diet, smoking, sexual practices)
- Environmental factors (exposures)
- Chronic inflammation
Side effects of HAART therapy
nausea, rash, diarrhea,
and abnormal distribution of body fat.
What does AIDS stand for?
Acquired immune deficiency syndrome
Origin of HIV
HIV is believed to have originated through contact with African primates that were infected with an ancestor of the HIV virus
What is a normal CD4 count?
Between 500 cells/mm3 to 1,000 cells/mm3
When do patients become most susceptible to opportunistic infections? (CD4 count)
Below 350 cells/mm3
When is a patient said to have progressed from HIV to AIDS?
When the CD4 count falls below 200 cells/mm3
Primary HIV infection
When the virus enters and spreads throughout
the body. High viral load and extremely contagious
Opportunistic infections along with AIDS
Tuberculosis: People in developing nations are especially vulnerable.
Salmonellosis: Contracted through contaminated food or water
Cytomegalovirus (CMV): A common herpes virus that is often dormant in the body
Candidiasis: Causes inflammation of and a thick coating on the mouth, tongue,
esophagus, or vagina
Cryptococcal meningitis: Caused by a fungus present in soil, bird or bat droppings
Cryptosporidiosis: An intestinal parasite found in animals that is contracted through
contaminated food or water
Kaposi sarcoma: Tumor of the blood vessel wall that can also affect internal organs
Lymphoma: Cancer of lymphocytes
Wasting syndrome: Weight loss of at least 10% of body weight accompanied by fever, diarrhea, and chronic weakness
Neurological complications: Can include confusion, forgetfulness, and depression, but can also lead to AIDS dementia complex
HIV-associated nephropathy (HIVAN): Filters in the kidneys that remove fluid and
wastes from the bloodstream are inflamed
HIV treatment is especially important if one of these factors is present
Severe symptoms Pregnancy CD4 count under 500 HIV-related kidney disease Hepatitis B
Lupus triggers
Sunlight causes lupus skin lesions. Medications, such as blood
pressure medications or antibiotics, can trigger a flare of lupus. Infections can also bring on
symptoms of lupus.
What demographics are most often affected by lupus?
Lupus affects women more than men and is usually diagnosed between the ages of 15 to 40.
Anyone can have lupus, but it is most common in those of African, Asian, and Hispanic descent.
Most characteristic symptom of lupus
The butterfly-shaped rash that covers the cheeks and nose
Symptoms of lupus
Symptoms vary depending on which body system is affected. Common symptoms include: Joint pain Stiff, swollen joints Fatigue Fever Skin lesions that worsen with exposure to the sun Raynaud phenomenon (fingers or toes turn white or blue when cold or in stressful situations) Shortness of breath Dry eyes Chest pain Headaches Memory loss Confusion
Complications of lupus
Pericarditis Increased risk of heart disease or heart attacks Kidney damage Kidney failure Edema Hallucinations Strokes Seizures Anemia Vasculitis Infections, including urinary tract infections, respiratory infections, yeast infections, herpes, and shingles Cancer Avascular necrosis (death of bone tissue, particularly in the hip) Miscarriage Preeclampsia Preterm birth
How is lupus diagnosed?
Lupus is a difficult condition to diagnose because of the individual nature of symptoms. No
single test exists to diagnose lupus. Rather, a combination of tests, signs, symptoms, and
physical exams are used to detect the disease
Diagnostic tests for lupus
A complete blood count (CBC) Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) Urinalysis Kidney and liver assessment Antinuclear antibody test (ANA) Chest x-ray Echocardiogram
Extra testing after a lupus diagnosis
Once lupus has been diagnosed, a biopsy may be performed to determine if kidney damage has
occurred. The results of the biopsy can determine the best course of treatment.
Medications commonly used to control lupus
NSAIDs: Used to treat pain, swelling, and fever
Corticosteroids: Used to reduce inflammation
Antimalarial drugs: Control lupus symptoms
Immune suppressants: Reduce immune system responses
Lifestyle measures to prevevnt lupus flares
Stress reduction
Adequate rest
Protection against sun exposure
Regular exercise
Avoidance of smoking and second-hand smoke
A healthy, balanced diet
Furthermore, DHEA, flaxseed, supplemental doses of vitamin D, and fish oil may stabilize symptoms and support areas affected by lupus.
Scleroderma
Scleroderma is a rare, progressive condition that causes thickening, hardening, and tightening of the skin. It can harm the internal organs such as the heart, lungs, kidneys, and digestive system.
A malfunction of the immune system appears to bring on scleroderma, leading to inflammation and the overproduction of collagen.
Risk factors for scleroderma
Sex: women develop scleroderma at a rate four times higher than men.
Ethnicity: Those of African descent are more susceptible to the condition and are more likely to develop lung complications associated with the disease.
Family history: Scleroderma can run in families, but can also occur in
families without a history of the condition.
Environmental/medical history: Exposure to silica dust, some industrial solvents, and certain chemotherapy drugs increase the risk of developing scleroderma.
Types of scleroderma
Localized and systematic. Localized scleroderma affects just
the skin. Systematic scleroderma affects the skin, blood vessels, and internal organs.
General symptoms of scleroderma
- Skin changes: Swollen fingers and hands, thickened skin patches, skin that appears shiny and tight, restricted movement of the affected area
- Raynaud phenomenon: Numbness, pain, or color changes in the fingers or toes due
constriction of the small blood vessels brought on by an exaggerated physical response to cold or emotional distress. - Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD): Acid reflux and nutrient deficiencies due to
muscles not moving food through the intestines properly.
rheumatoid arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis is a consequence of the immune system attacking the lining of the
membrane that surrounds the joints, known as the synovium. The attack results in thickening of
the synovium, leading to inflammation within the joints. Eventually the cartilage and bone are
damaged or destroyed and the tendons and ligaments responsible for holding the joint together
stretch and weaken. The damage results in loss of shape and alignment in the afflicted joints.
Organs can also be affected.
First presentation of localized scleroderma
Localized scleroderma may begin with Raynaud phenomenon before developing any other signs or symptoms
Types of localized scleroderma presentation
Morphea and linear
Morphea
A presenation of localised scleroderma. Oval shaped patches of thickened skim, morphea are white in the middle and
have a purple border. The patches can fade over 3-5 years, although the skin will be
darkened.
Linear scleroderma
Appearing on one side of the body, streaks or bands of hardened
skin are visible on an arm, leg, or on the forehead. Linear scleroderma is most common
in children.
Which type of scleroderma is most common in children?
Linear scleroderma
Systemic scleroderma
Systematic scleroderma is categorized depending on what part of the body is affected. Skin
changes come on suddenly and worsen over the course of one to two years. Changes then level
off, subside, or resolve without treatment as the disease moves to the organs.
Complications of scleroderma
Restricted blood flow Gangrene Amputation Reduced lung function Pulmonary hypertension Elevated blood pressure Protein in the urine Renal crisis Kidney failure Scarring of the heart tissue Arrhythmias Congestive heart failure Pericarditis Acid reflux Tooth decay Difficulty swallowing Bouts of constipation followed by diarrhea Erectile dysfunction Constriction of the vaginal opening
Diagnosis of scleroderma
Blood tests are used to assess the level of antibodies produced by the immune system. Using a
modified Rodnan skin score (MRSS), 17 areas of the skin are palpated. The total skin score can
be used to predict the degree of fibrosis of the internal organs. Biopsies are analyzed for
abnormalities to determine if the condition is affecting the organs. Based on initial tests, more
tests may be ordered to look for effects on the lungs, heart, kidneys, or gastrointestinal tract.
Treatment of scleroderma
Scleroderma sometimes resolves on its own without treatment. However, complications can
arise from untreated cases of scleroderma. While there is not cure for the condition, symptoms
can be controlled:
Medications: Dilating blood vessels can treat Raynaud disease. Immune system
suppressing medications can also help.
Therapy: Pain management, strength and mobility improving exercises can help.
Ultraviolet therapy can help with appearance of skin lesions, while laser surgery can
eliminate them.
Surgery: Amputation may be necessary if ulcers have developed gangrene. Serious cases
of scleroderma may necessitate lung transplants.
Risk factors or causes of rheumatoid arthritis
Genetics plays a role in the development of rheumatoid arthritis. People with family members
who were afflicted with the condition are more likely to develop rheumatoid arthritis. Genes are
not solely responsible for the condition; certain environmental factors such as cigarette smoking
may lead to onset of the disease. Women develop rheumatoid arthritis more often than men,
most often beginning between ages 40-60.
Symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis usually begins in the smaller joints before progressing into large joints like
the knees, elbows, shoulders, or hips. Signs and symptoms may come and go with periods of
flares followed by periods of apparent remission. Symptoms usually occur in the same joint on
both sides of the body.
Rheumatoid arthritis has the following symptoms:
Warm, swollen, tender joints
Fever
Morning stiffness that lasts more than an hour
Rheumatoid nodules under the skin
Fatigue
Weight loss
Complications of rheumatoid arthritis
Carpal tunnel syndrome: Inflammation in the wrists can lead to nerve compression of
the hand and fingers.
Osteoporosis
Inflammation of the blood vessels
Lung disease: Rheumatoid arthritis can have inflammation and scarring in tissue of the
lungs.
Heart problems: Hardened and blocked arteries or inflammation of the sac surrounding
the heart are associated with rheumatoid arthritis.
Diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis
No single test exists to diagnose rheumatoid arthritis. In fact, the disease shares common traits
with other conditions so early diagnosis is often difficult. Blood tests can reveal elevated levels
of erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) which signals inflammation within the body. Levels of
rheumatoid factor and anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide (anti-CCP) antibodies are also determined
through blood tests.
What test is used to track the progression of rheumatoid arthritis?
X-rays
Can rheumatoid arthritis be cured?
Rheumatoid arthritis can be managed, but this condition cannot be cured
What is the goal of medicine usage in rheumatoid arthritis?
Medications to
manage the pain and inflammation can slow joint damage
Joint protection in rheumatoid arthritis
Occupational or physical therapy can help
protect the joints, while surgery is sometimes necessary if joints are severely damaged
Medications used to treat rheumatoid arthritis
NSAIDs Steroids DMARDs (Disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs) TNF-alpha inhibitors Immunosuppressants
Surgical treatments for rheumatoid arthritis
Tendon repair
Joint replacement
Joint fusion
Non-medical interventions for pain relief in rheumatoid arthritis
Patients with rheumatoid arthritis can help manage the condition through application of heat
and cold during flares. Heat eases the pain and relaxes painful muscles while cold can numb or
alleviate pain and muscle spasms. Regular exercise is important for patients with rheumatoid
arthritis as it can strengthen the muscles around the joints.
Dietary interventions for rheumatoid arthritis
Fish oil supplements are sometimes
prescribed to reduce the pain and stiffness associated with the disease.
