Chapter 16 (Skin System) Vocabulary: Pathology

Acne

Chronic papular and pustular eruption of the skin with increased production of sebum

Alopecia

Partial or complete lack of hair

Basal Cell Carcinoma

Skin cancer arising from cells in the basal layer of the epidermis

Burns

Injuries to tissues caused by heat contact

Cellulitis

Diffuse, acute inflammatory infection of the skin marked by local heat, redness, pain, and swelling

Crust

Collection on the sin of dried sebum and cellular debris; scab

Cyst

Thick-walled, closed sac or pouch containing fluid or semisolid material

Ecchymosis

Bleeding into the skin; a bruise

Eczema

Chronic dermatitis of unknown etiology, marked by redness, blisters, scales, and scabs; atopic dermatitis

Erosion

Wearing away or loss of epidermis

Exanthematous Viral Disease

Rash (exanthem) of skin due to viral infection

Fissure

Groove or crack-like sore

Impetigo

Bacterial inflammatory skin disease characterized by vesicles, pustules, and crusted-over lesions

Urticaria (Hives)

An acute allergic reaction in which red, round wheals develop on the skin

Macule

Flat, pigmented lesion measuring <1cm in diameter

Melanoma

Cancerous growth composed of melanocytes

Nodule

Solid, round or oval elevated lesion (1cm or more in diameter)

Papule

Small (<1cm in diameter), solid elevation of the skin

Petechia(e)

Small, pinpoint hemorrhage

Polyp

Abnormal tissue growth on a mucous membrane

Pruritus

Itching

Psoriasis

Chronic recurrent dermatosis with silver, gray scales that itch

Pustule

Papule containing pus

Scabies

Parasitic (tiny mites) and infectious pruritus

Scleroderma

Chronic and progressive disease of skin with hardening of connective tissue

Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Malignant tumor of the squamous epithelial cells of the epidermis

Systemic lupus erythematosus

Inflammatory disease of collagen in skin, joints, and internal organs

Tinea

Infection of the skin caused by fungus

Ulcer

Open sore on the skin or mucous membranes (deeper erosion)

Vesicle

Small collection of clear fluid (serum); blister

Vitiligo

Loss of pigment in areas of the skin

Wheal

Smooth, edematous (swollen) papule or plaque that is centrally redder than the surrounding skin