Words with doctors

Polyps

Small growths of tissue that typically arise from a membranous area such as the inside of the intestinal tract or bladder. They are abnormal and can become cancerous.

Nodules

Raised lumps or growths of tissue that can form in many parts of the body, including muscles, lungs and skin. They can be benign or malignant.

Fracture

Just another word for broken. If a bone is fractured, it’s broken. The two words are used interchangeably and use is unrelated to severity.

Autoimmune

Any disease in which the body’s own immune system makes antibodies against it. An example is autoimmune hepatitis in which the body makes antibodies that attack its own liver.

Immunotherapy

A type of therapy in which the body’s own immune system is stimulated to treat a disease such as cancer.

Herniated Disc

Spinal “discs” are round discs of cartilage that lie between the vertebrae in the spinal column. They “herniate” when some of the softer inner tissue pushes out (like a hernia anywhere else). These are extremely common in the general population and often do not cause symptoms at all. The herniated disc can press on nerves or the spinal cord causing pain, numbness and decreased function. Many heal on their own and only severe, refractory cases require surgery.

Concussion

A form of brain injury in which the brain is shaken or jerked within the skull as a result of head trauma. Severity can vary greatly, as can recovery time. Common symptoms include headache, vomiting, visual irregularities, and difficulty concentrating. Importantly, this kind of injury does not appear on CT scans or MRIs. These tests will generally appear normal.

CPAP

Continuous positive airway pressure. This is a form of non-invasive ventilation that applies continuous airflow to the airways to keep them open. It is commonly used to improve the respiratory status of patients with lung diseases such as emphysema (COPD). More recently, home CPAP machines are being used for patients with obstructive sleep apnea. The continuous pressure keeps the airway open, preventing the obstruction which leads to apnea (not breathing).

MRSA

Methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus. This is a type of bacteria that is resistant to the “cillin” antibiotics such as penicillin and amoxicillin, but there are still several antibiotics that can treat these infections. MRSA is probably most well-known for causing skin infections, but it can cause infections anywhere in the body including lungs, abdomen and bladder.

Epidemic

An increase in the number of cases of a disease that is above what is normally expected. It is often sudden and may be widespread but not necessarily.

Meniscus

In medicine, this term generally refers to the two wedge or C-shaped pieces of cartilage in the knee joint. The knee joint has a medial (on the inner knee) meniscus and a lateral (on the outer knee) meniscus. Their function is to cushion the joint. They are commonly injured and may require surgery.

Diverticulitis

Infection and inflammation of diverticuli, which are little finger-like out-pouches that form from the intestinal walls. The condition of having these is called diverticulosis and is asymptomatic and harmless until infection or, less often, bleeding occurs. Diverticulitis is treated with antibiotics, but more severe or recurrent cases may require surgery.

BOTOX

Botulinum toxin. A neurotoxin produced by bacteria called Clostridium botulinum. The toxin blocks the nerve from sending its message to the corresponding muscle, causing paralysis of the muscle. Small doses are used for cosmetic purposes and to treat certain medical conditions such as bladder spasms and migraines. In larger doses, it causes death by paralyzing the respiratory muscles. Outside of medical and cosmetic use, Clostridium botulinum is most commonly encountered in poorly canned foods and can cause a serious condition called botulism.

TIA

Transient ischemic attack. A neurological phenomenon in which a part of the brain suffers temporary ischemia (loss of normal blood flow) that leads to stroke-like symptoms. Sometimes referred to as a “mini-stroke.” By definition, after a TIA, normal function returns, usually within a few minutes. A TIA can, however, be a harbinger of a full stroke, especially in the subsequent 24 hours, so medical attention should still be sought immediately.

NSAIDs

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Examples include ibuprofen, naproxen, and ketorolac. They treat pain, but can be toxic to the kidneys and can cause stomach ulcers and bleeding and should be used with caution (or not at all) in patients with these conditions.

Arthroplasty

The replacement or restructuring of a joint through a surgical procedure.

Ecchymosis

The medical term for bruising.

Chikungunya

A mosquito-borne virus that causes fever, headache, rash, muscle and joint pain. While commonly thought to be a tropical disease, there have been cases all over the world, including Europe and North America.

Cholecystectomy

Surgical removal of the gallbladder.

Pancreas

An organ in the upper abdomen responsible for making digestive enzymes. “Pancreatitis” occurs when the pancreas becomes inflamed, leading to significant upper abdominal pain. Severe cases can be deadly. Common causes of this are alcoholism and gallstones.