Disease And Conditions Flashcards
Disease Focus
Female reproductive disorders may be caused by infection, injury, or hormonal dysfunction. Although some disorders may be mild and correct themselves over time, others, such as those caused by infection, may require medical attention. Pain, itching, lesions, and discharge are signs and symptoms commonly associated with sexually transmitted diseases and must not be ignored. Other common problems of the female reproductive system are related to hormonal dysfunction that may cause menstrual disorders. As a preventive measure, a woman should undergo pelvic examination regularly throughout life. This diagnostic procedure helps identify many pelvic abnormalities and diseases. Cytological and bacteriological specimens are usually obtained at the time of examination.
Gynecology (GYN) is the branch of medicine concerned with diseases of the female reproductive organs and breasts. Obstetrics (OB) is the branch of medicine that manages the health of a woman and her fetus during pregnancy and childbirth. It also includes the puerperium, which is the period of adjustment after childbirth during which the reproductive organs of the mother return to their normal, nonpregnant state. Generally, this period lasts 6 to 8 weeks and ends with the first ovulation and the return of normal menstruation. Because of the obvious overlap between gynecology and obstetrics, many practices include both specialties. The physician who simultaneously practices these specialties is called an obstetrician/gynecologist (OB/GYN).
Endometriosis
Endometriosis is the presence of functional endometrial tissue in areas outside the uterus. (See Fig. 12-6.) The endometrial tissue develops into what are called implants, lesions, or growths and can cause pain, infertility, and other problems. The ectopic tissue is usually confined to the pelvic area but may appear anywhere in the abdominopelvic cavity. Like normal endometrial tissue, the ectopic endometrium responds to the hormonal fluctuations of the menstrual cycle.
Pelvic Inflammatory Disease
Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) is a general term for inflammation of the uterus, fallopian tubes, ovaries, and adjacent pelvic structures. It is usually caused by bacterial infection, but other organisms may be implicated. These disease-producing organisms (pathogens) generally enter through the vagina during coitus, induced abortion, childbirth, or the postpartum period. As an ascending infection, the pathogens spread from the vagina and cervix to the upper structures of the female reproductive tract. Untreated gonorrhea and chlamydia cause about 90% of all cases of PID. Other causes include abortion, childbirth, and pelvic procedures. The symptoms of PID can vary and may include lower abdominal pain, vaginal discharge, fever, nausea, and vomiting. If diagnosed at an early stage, PID can be treated easily and effectively with antibiotics. If left untreated, it can lead to more serious, long-term complications.
Oncology
The two most common forms of cancer (CA) involving the female reproductive system are breast cancer and cervical cancer.
Breast Cancer
Breast cancer, also called carcinoma of the breast, is the most common malignancy of women in the United States. This disease appears to be associated with ovarian hormonal function. In addition, a diet high in fats appears to increase the incidence of breast cancer. Other contributing factors include a family history of the disease and, possibly, the use of hormone replacement therapy (HRT). Women who have never had children (nulliparous) or those who have had an early onset of the first menstrual period (menarche) or late onset of menopause are also more likely to develop breast cancer. Because this type of malignancy is highly responsive to treatment when detected early, women are urged to practice breast self-examination monthly and to receive periodic mammograms after age 40. Many breast malignancies are detected by the patient.
Cervical Cancer
Cancer of the cervix most commonly affects women between ages 40 and 49. Statistics indicate that infection associated with sexual activity has some relationship to the incidence of cervical cancer. First coitus at a young age, a large number of sex partners, infection with certain sexually transmitted viruses, and frequent intercourse with men whose previous partners had cervical cancer are all associated with increased risk of developing cervical cancer. The Pap test, a cytological examination, can detect cervical cancer before the disease becomes clinically evident. Abnormal cervical cytology routinely calls for colposcopy, which can detect the presence and extent of preclinical lesions requiring biopsy and histological examination. Treatment of cervical cancer consists of surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy. If left untreated, the cancer will eventually metastasize and lead to death.
Congenital absence or closure of a normal body opening, such as the vagina
atresia
ă-TRĒ-zē-ă
Malignant neoplasm of the uterus or at the site of an ectopic pregnancy
Although its actual cause is unknown, choriocarcinoma is a rare tumor that may occur after pregnancy or abortion.
choriocarcinoma
kō-rē-ō-kăr-sĭ-NŌ-mă
chori/o: chorion
carcin: cancer
-oma: tumo
Occurrence of pain during sexual intercourse
dyspareunia
dĭs-pă-RŪ-nē-ă
Inflammation of the mucous lining of the cervix uteri
Endocervicitis is usually chronic, commonly as a result of infection, and accompanied by cervical erosion.
endocervicitis
ĕn-dō-sĕr-vĭ-SĪ-tĭs
endo-: in, within
cervic: neck; cervix uteri (neck of the uterus)
-itis: inflammation
Abnormal condition in the menstrual cycle; also called dysfunctional uterine bleeding (DUB)
Menstrual irregularities can be caused by a variety of conditions, including pregnancy, hormonal imbalances, infections, malignancies, diseases, trauma, and certain medications.
menstrual disorders
MĔN-stroo-ăl
menstru/o: monthly discharge of blood
-al: pertaining to
Absence of a menstrual period in a woman of reproductive age
Normal causes of amenorrhea include pregnancy and lactation (breastfeeding). Outside of reproductive years, absence of menses occurs during childhood and after menopause.
amenorrhea
ă-mĕn-ō-RĒ-ă
a-: without, not
men/o: menses; menstruation
-rrhea: discharge, flow
Cramps or painful menstruation
Dysmenorrhea includes menstrual periods that are accompanied by sharp, intermittent pain or dull, aching pain—usually in the pelvis or lower abdomen.
dysmenorrhea
dĭs-mĕn-ō-RĒ-ă
dys-: bad; painful; difficult
men/o: menses; menstruation
-rrhea: discharge, flow
Abnormally heavy, prolonged menstrual period
In early life, menorrhagia may be caused by endocrine disturbances; in later life, it is usually a result of inflammatory diseases, fibroids, tumors, or emotional disturbances.
menorrhagia
mĕn-ō-RĀ-jē-ă
men/o: menses; menstruation
-rrhagia: bursting forth (of)
Irregular uterine bleeding between menstrual periods or after menopause
Metrorrhagia is usually symptomatic of disease, including benign or malignant uterine tumors. It is considered one of the most serious menstrual disorders. Thus, early diagnosis and treatment are warranted.
metrorrhagia
mē-trō-RĀ-jē-ă
metr/o: uterus (uterus); measure
-rrhagia: bursting forth (of)
Abnormally light or infrequent menstrual periods
Causes of oligomenorrhea include a side effect of birth control pills, hormonal imbalances, excessive exercise, and ovarian cysts.
oligomenorrhea
ŏl-ĭ-gō-mĕn-ō-RĒ-ă
olig/o: scanty
men/o: menses, menstruation
-rrhea: discharge, flow
Symptoms that occur between ovulation and the onset of menstruation
PMS symptoms include such physical symptoms as breast tenderness, back pain, abdominal cramps, headache, and changes in appetite and the psychological symptoms of anxiety, depression, and unrest.
premenstrual syndrome (PMS)
prē-MĔN-stroo-ăl SĬN-drōm
Inability of the female to become pregnant or the male to impregnate the female
sterility
ster-ĬL-ĭ-tē
Benign tumors composed of muscle and fibrous tissue that develop in the uterus; also called leiomyomas, myomas, or fibroids Myomectomy or hysterectomy may be indicated if the fibroids grow too large, causing such symptoms as metrorrhagia, pelvic pain, and menorrhagia.
uterine fibroids
Ū-tĕr-ĭn FĪ-broyds
fibr: fiber, fibrous tissue
-oids: resembling
Obstetrics
Termination of pregnancy before the embryo or fetus is capable of surviving on its own
Abortions are spontaneous or induced (deliberate). A spontaneous abortion occurs without any apparent cause and is also called a miscarriage. A woman undergoes an induced abortion when she elects to end pregnancy because her health is endangered (therapeutic abortion) or for some other personal reason
abortion (AB)
ă-BOR-shŭn
Premature separation of the placenta from the uterine wall before the third stage of labor; also called placental abruption
Abruptio placentae results in uterine hemorrhage and threatens the life of the mother. It also disrupts blood flow and oxygen through the umbilical cord and threatens the life of the fetus
abruptio placentae
ă-BRŪP-shē-ō plă-SĔN-tē
Common abnormality of delivery in which the fetal buttocks or feet present first rather than the head
breech presentation
Genetic condition in which there is an extra copy of chromosome 21 (trisomy), altering physical and mental development of the child; also called trisomy 21
Symptoms vary and can range from mild to severe. However, children with Down syndrome have a widely recognized appearance.
Down syndrome
DOWN SĬN-drōm
Most serious form of toxemia during pregnancy
Signs of eclampsia include high blood pressure, edema, convulsions, renal dysfunction, proteinuria, and in severe cases, coma.
eclampsia
ĕ-KLĂMP-sē-ă
