Diseases and Disorders
Disease and Disorder Terms Built from Word Parts
albinism: “condition of white”; a partial or complete lack of melanin-producing cells
basal cell carcinoma: a cancerous tumor of the regenerative cells in the epidermis of the skin
carcinoma: cancerous tumor
cyanosis: abnormal condition of blue skin; usually caused by low oxygen
cyst: a fluid-filled growth in skin
dermatitis: inflammation of the skin
dermatoconiosis: abnormal condition of the skin caused by dust
dermatofibroma: fibrous tumor of the skin
dermatomycosis: fungal infection of the skin
epidermitis: inflammation of the outer layer of the skin
erythematosus: an inflammatory disease causing scaly red patches on the skin; also called systemic lupus erythematosus
erythroderma: red skin (abnormal redness of the skin)
hemangioma: benign tumor of the blood vessels; a type of birthmark
hidradenitis: inflammation of the sweat gland
hyperhidrosis: abnormal condition of excessive sweat
ichthyosis: abnormal condition of scaly/fishlike skin
keratosis: abnormal condition of horny tissue growth
leukoderma: white skin (patches of white skin caused by lack of pigment)
leiodermia: condition of smooth skin
melanoma: cancerous tumor of the melanin-producing cells; also called malignant melanoma
metastasize: produce cells that can mobilize and produce tumors in other organs
necrosis: condition of death (death of tissue)
onychocryptosis: abnormal condition of a hidden nail
onychomalacia: softening of the nails
onychomycosis: abnormal condition of a fungus in the nail
onychopathy: any disease of the nails
onychophagia: eating of the nails (nail biting)
pachyderma: thick
paronychia: infection around the nail
pruritus: condition causing itching
seborrhea: excessive discharge of sebum
scleroderma: hardness of the skin, chronic disease causing hardening of the skin
staphylococcus: berry-shaped bacterium in grapelike clusters
streptococcus (strep): berry-shaped bacterium in twisted chains
xeroderma: extremely dry skin
xerosis: abnormal condition of dryness
Disease and Disorder Terms Not Built from Word Parts
abscess: localized collection of pus
acne: inflammatory papular and pustular eruption of the skin
alopecia: partial or complete loss or lack of hair (baldness)
benign: noncancerous/nonmalignant tumor
bulla: fluid-filled raised lesion >1cm (blister)
comedo: black head
decubitus ulcer: chronic ulcer caused by pressure over bony areas (seen in immobilized people)
ecchymosis: purple discoloration of skin >3mm in size, caused by blood pooling under the skin
eczema: inflammatory disorder causing redness, blisters, and scaling of skin
excoriation: linear break in skin (scratch)
fissure: deep, elongated break in the skin (crack)
impetigo: inflammatory disease with pustules that rupture
keloid: a raised scar
lesion: any wound, injury, or pathologic change in body tissue
macule: flat, discolored, flush area of the skin (freckle)
nevus: raised, discolored area, usually benign, but can be cancerous (mole)
nodule: small, round swelling under the skin
petechiae: tiny red/purple spots caused by capillary rupture
plaque: flat or raised lesions that may itch
polyp: an overgrowth of tissue on a mucous membrane
pustule: small, round, elevated lesion filled with pus
scabies: an infection of the skin caused by mites, highly contagious
shingles: a viral infection causing painful inflammation and pustular eruption of the nerve endings (also called herpes zoster)
ulcer: open sore of the skin or mucous membranes
urticaria: hives
verruca: wart caused by a virus
vesicle: small, fluid-filled, raised lesion (blister)
vitiligo: a loss of skin pigmentation in specific areas
wheal: smooth, rounded, slightly elevated area of skin that often itches