Pathology and Procedures

abdominal computed tomography (CT)

a radiographic procedure that produces a detailed cross-section of the tissue structure within the abdomen

abdominal ultrasound

a noninvasive test used to visualize internal organs by using very high frequency sound waves

abdominocentesis

the surgical puncture of the of the abdominal cavity to remove fluid

ablation

the removal of a body part or the destruction of its function

abortion

the interruption or termination of pregnancy before the fetus is viable

abrasion

an injury in which superficial layers of skin are scraped or rubbed away

abruptio placentae

a disorder in which the placenta separates from the uterine wall before the birth of the fetus

abscess

a closed pocket containing pus caused by a bacterial infection

absence seizure

a brief disturbance in brain function in which there is a loss of awareness often described as a staring episode

ACE inhibitors

medications administered to treat hypertension and congestive heart failure

Acetaminophen

analgesic that reduces pain and fever, but does not relieve inflammation

Achilles tendinitis

a painful inflammation of the Achilles tendon caused by excessive stress being placed on that tendon

acne vulgaris

a chronic inflammatory disease that is characterized by pustular eruptions of the skin caused by an overproduction of sebum around the hair shaft

acoustic neuroma

a brain tumor that develops adjacent to the cranial nerve running from the brain to the inner ear

acquired immunity

immunity obtained by having had a contagious disease

acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS)

the advanced stage of an HIV infection

acromegaly

enlargement of the extremities caused by excessive secretion of growth hormone after puberty

acrophobia

an excessive fear of heights

actinic keratosis

a precancerous skin growth that occurs on sun-damaged skin

Acupressure

a traditional Chinese touch therapy involving finger pressure applied to specific areas of the body

acupuncture

a traditional Chinese medical practice using very thin acupuncture needles inserted into specific points of the body

acute necrotizing ulcerative gingivitis

an abnormal growth of bacteria in the mouth

acute renal failure (ARF)

sudden onset of kidney failure that may be caused by the kidneys not receiving enough blood to filter

acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS)

a life-threatening condition in which inflammation in the lungs and fluid in the alveoli lead to low levels of oxygen in the blood

addiction

compulsive, uncontrollable dependence on a drug, alcohol, or other substance, habit, or practice

Addison's disease

a condition that occurs when the adrenal glands do not produce enough cortisol or aldosterone

adenectomy

surgical removal of a gland

adenitis

inflammation of a gland

adenocarcinoma

carcinoma derived from glandular tissue

adenoma

a benign tumor that arises from, or resembles, glandular tissue