Chapter 5 - integumentary procedures (MED term)

allergy skin test

any test in which a suspected allergen or sensitizer is applied to or injected into the skin to determine the patient’s sensitivity to it

intradermal

skin test that identifies suspected allergens by subcutaneously injecting small amount of extracts of the suspected allergens and observing the skin for a subsequent reaction

patch

skin test that identifies allergic contract dermatitis by applying a suspected allergen to a patch, which is then taped on the skin, usually the forearm, and observing the area 24 hours later for an allergic response

scratch

skin test that identifies suspected allergens by placing a small quantity of the suspected allergen on a lightly scratched area of the skin, also called puncture test or prick test

biopsy (bx)

representatives tissue sample removed from a body site for a microscopic examination

frozen section (FS)

ultrathin slice of tissue from a frozen specimen for immediate pathological examination

needle

removal of a small tissue sample for examination using a hollow needle, usually attached to a syringe

punch

removal of a small core of tissue using a hollow punch

shave

removal of elevated lesions using a surgical blade

mohs

procedure that involves progressive removal and microscopic examination of layers of cancer-containing skin until only cancer-free tissue remains, also called micrographic surgery

skin graft

transplantation of healthy tissue to an injured site

allograft

transplantation of healthy tissue from one person to another person, also called homograft

autograft

transplantation of healthy tissue from one site to another site in the same individual

synthetic

transplantation of artificial skin produced from collagen fibers arranged in a lattice pattern

xenograft

transplantation (dermis only) from a foreign donor (usually a pig), also called a heterograft

chemical peel

chemical removal of the outer layer of skin to treat acne scarring and general keratoses, also called chemabrasion

cryosurgery

use of subfreezing temperature (commonly liquid nitrogen) to destroy or eliminate abnormal tissue, such as tumors, warts, and unwanted, cancerous, or infected tissue

débridement

removal of necrotized tissue from a wound by surgical excision, enzymes, or chemical agents

dermabrasion

rubbing (abrasion) using wire brushes or sandpaper to mechanically scrape away (abrade) the epidermis

fulguration

tissue destruction by means of high-frequency electric current, also called electrodesiccation

laser

uses intense focused light to remove tissue for medical or cosmetic purposes

photodynamic therapy (PT)

procedure in which cells selectively treated with an agent called a photosensitizer are exposed to light to produce a reaction that destroys the cells