Module 2 - Cardiology

Cardiology is the medical specialty dealing with disorders of the heart. The field
includes diagnosis and treatment of congenital heart defects, coronary artery
disease, heart failure, valvular heart disease and electrophysiology. Physicians
specialising in this field of medicine are called cardiologists. Cardiologists
should not be confused with cardiac, cardiothoracic and cardiovascular
surgeons, who are surgeons who perform cardiac surgery via sternotomy (open
operative procedures on the heart and great vessels).
Subspecialties
Interventional cardiology. This subspecialty is concerned with
interventional procedures, such as catheterization, balloon angioplasty,
stent insertion, Rotablator, and the use of various cutting and laser
devices that remove plaque from arteries.
Electrophysiology is concerned with the treatment of the electrical
system of the heart, specifically in the treatment of arrhythmias and the
implantation and use of pacemakers and defibrillators.
Nuclear cardiology is concerned with assessing the pumping function of
the heart, the presence of blockages in coronary arteries, and the degree
of damage to the heart.
Echocardiography concerns the interpretation of and performance of
echocardiogram and transoesophageal echo procedures.
Conditions
The following are some of the medical problems that may be treated by the
Consultant Cardiologist:
Angina - a condition marked by severe pain in the chest, often also
spreading to the shoulders, arms, and neck, owing to an inadequate
blood supply to the heart.
Arrhythmia - a condition in which the heart beats with an irregular or
abnormal rhythm.
Atrial Fibrillation - (also called AFib or AF) is a quivering or irregular
heartbeat (arrhythmia) that can lead to blood clots, stroke, heart failure
and other heart-related complications. Some people refer to AF as a
quivering heart.
1

Cardiomyopathy - chronic disease of the heart muscle.

Congenital Heart Disease (Hole in the Heart) - is a problem with
the heart's structure and function that is present at birth. Congenital
heart disease (CHD) can describe a number of different problems
affecting the heart. It is the most common type of birth defect.
Congestive Heart Failure - (CHF) is a condition in which
the heart's function as a pump is inadequate to meet the body's needs.
Coronary Artery Disease - (CAD) is the most common type of
heart disease. It is the leading cause of death in the United States in
both men and women. CAD happens when the arteries that supply blood
to heart muscle become hardened and narrowed.
Heart Attack (Myocardial Infarction) - a sudden occurrence of coronary
thrombosis, typically resulting in the death of part of a heart muscle and
sometimes fatal.
High Blood Cholesterol (Hyperlipidaemia) - is one of the major risk
factors for heart disease. A risk factor is a condition that increases your
chance of getting a disease. In fact, the higher your blood
cholesterol level, the greater your risk for developing heart disease or
having a heart attack.
High Blood Pressure (Hypertension) - (HBP) is a serious condition that
can lead to coronary heart disease, heart failure, stroke, kidney failure,
and other health problems. "Blood pressure" is the force
of blood pushing against the walls of the arteries as the heart
pumps blood.
Mitral Valve Prolapse (Floppy Valve Syndrome) - primary form of
myxomatous degeneration of the mitral valve aka floppy mitral
valve syndrome) is a valvular heart disease characterized by the
displacement of an abnormally thickenedmitral valve leaflet into the left
atrium during systole.
Peripheral Arterial Disease - (P.A.D.) is a disease in which plaque
(plak) builds up in the arteries that carry blood to your head, organs, and
limbs. Plaque is made up of fat, cholesterol, calcium, fibrous tissue, and
other substances in the blood.
Syncope (Fainting) - The medical term
for fainting is syncope. Fainting is a sudden loss of consciousness,
usually temporary and typically caused by a lack of oxygen in the brain.
The brain oxygen deprivation has many possible causes, including
hypotension (low blood pressure).

Tests and Investigations

Auscultation

Blood tests

Cardiac stress testing

Computed tomography angiography

Coronary catheterisation

Echocardiogram

Electrocardiogram

Electrophysiology

Event monitor

Holter monitor

Intravascular ultrasound

Magnetic resonance imaging

Medical imaging

Positron emission tomography

Therapies/procedures
Atrial Septal Defect (Hole in the
Heart) Closure

Balloon Angioplasty (including stent

placement and distal protection
devices)

Cardiac Rehabilitation

Cryoablation

Intra-aortic Balloon Pump Insertion

Pacemaker Insertion (including

resynchronization therapy)

PFO (Patent Foramen Ovale)

Closure

Radiofrequency Ablation

Rotational Atherectomy (including

stent placement and distal protection
devices)

Valvuloplasty

Commonly prescribed drugs in Cardiology

Adcirca (tadalafil)

Advicor

Agrylin

Altocor

Androderm

Amlodipine

Angiomax

Argatroban Injection

Atacand

Atorvastatin

Atryn

Azor

Baycol

Benicar

Betapace

Caduet

Candesartan

Captopril

Cardizem

CellCept

Cleviprex

Clopidogrel

Corlopam

Covera-HS

Crestor

Diltiazem

Diovan

DynaCirc

Efient

Enalapril

Fenofibrate

Imagent

Innohep

Inspra

Integrilin

Lescol

Letairis

Levitra

Lisinopril

Livalo

Lovastatin

Mavik

Mevacor

Micardis

Microzide

Multaq

Muse

Natrecor

Niaspan

Nitrostat

Normiflo

Pentoxifylline

Pindolol

Plavix

Posicor

Pravastatin

Prinivil

ProAmatine

Procanbid

Ranexa

Remodulin

ReoPro

Retavase

Rythmol

Soliris

Teczem

Tekturna

Teveten

Tiazac

Toprol-XL

Tribenzor

Tricor

Tyvaso

Verapamil

Viagra

Visipaque

Warfarin

Zestril

Zocor

Module 2 - Glossary of Terms used

in Cardiology
Aorta - The largest artery; a muscular blood vessel stemming from the left
ventricle.
Aortic valve Separates the left ventricle and the aorta
Arrhythmia - An irregular heart rhythm
Artery - Carries blood, mostly oxygenated, from the heart to the tissues.
Atria The upper two chambers of the heart, known as the right atrium and left
atrium.
Atrial systole Contraction of both atria at the same time, pushing blood into
the ventricles. The atria begin to relax as the ventricles contract.
Atrial fibrillation - Results in inadequate emptying of the atria.
Atrioventricular (AV) node In the atrial septum, receives signal from the SA
node.
Cardiac tamponade The pericardial sac fills with fluid for any number of
reasons, resulting in constriction of heart function.
Chordate - Tendons that hold the valve flaps taunt, preventing backflow when
the heart contracts.
Contraction Also known as systole, the mechanical function that pumps
blood out of the heart.
Coronary arteries The arteries serving the outer myocardium.
Cuspid The tissue flaps that make a valve. Bi- and tri-cuspid refer to the
number of flaps (two and three).
Diastole Relaxation of the heart, allowing blood to flow into the atria.
Fibrillation A type of arrhythmia caused by problems in the cardiac nodes
that affect contraction.
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Mitral valve A bicuspid valve between the left atrium and left ventricle
Myocytes - The individual cells of the heart.
Myocardial infarction Known as a heart attack; lack of blood flow through
the coronary arteries resulting in myocardium damage (infarct) due to a lack of
oxygenation.
Myocardial septum Tissue separating the heart chambers. Node
Component of the electrical conductance system in the cardiac tissue.
Pulmonary valve - A semi lunar (describing the shape: half moon) valve
separating the pulmonary artery and the right ventricle.
Ventricle The larger two chambers in the lower portion of the heart, known as
the right and left ventricle.
Pericardial sac The fibrous membrane surrounding the myocardium.
Sinoatrial (SA) node - The natural pacemaker of the heart, initiates systole in
the right atrium.
Sinus rhythm normal hear rhythm
Tricuspid valve Separates the right atrium and right ventricle.
Valve A one-way flap preventing the backflow of blood. There are four valves
in the heart.
Vein Carries blood, mostly deoxygenated, from the tissues to the heart.
Vena cava The veins that empty directly into the right atrium, known as the
superior (upper, or anterior) and inferior (lower, or posterior) vena cava.
Ventricular fibrillation Inadequate ventricle contraction; a cause of sudden
death.
Ventricular systole Contraction of the ventricles, pushing blood into the lungs
and aorta

Module 2 - Dermatology
Dermatology is the branch of medicine dealing with the skin and its diseases.
Most patients are treated on an outpatient basis. If surgery is required for biopsy
or removal of lesions, the patient may be referred to the plastic or general
surgeon. This module may also be useful for the secretary in the histology
department as there is an overlap in terms used by histologists and
dermatologists.
Subspecialties
Cosmetic dermatology deals with minimally invasive cosmetic
procedures including liposuction, blepharoplasty and face lifts.
Dermatopathology is a subspecialty concerned with the pathology of the
skin.
Immunodermatology deals with the treatment of immune-mediated skin
diseases such as lupus, bullous pemphigoid, pemphigus vulgaris, and
other immune-mediated skin disorders.
Mohs surgery focuses on the excision of skin cancers using a tissuesparing technique.
Paediatric dermatology deals with dermatological or skin problems in
children.
Conditions
The following list of diseases or medical conditions are some of the medical
problems that may be treated by the dermatologist:
Acne - a skin condition characterized by red pimples on the skin,
especially on the face, due to inflamed or infected sebaceous glands and
prevalent chiefly among adolescents.
Actinic keratosis - An actinic keratosis (ak-TIN-ik ker-uh-TOE-sis) is a
rough, scaly patch on your skin that develops from years of exposure to
the sun. It's most commonly found on your face, lips, ears, back of your
hands, forearms, scalp or neck.
Alopecia - baldness

Angioma - an abnormal growth produced by the dilatation or new

formation of blood vessels.
Athlete's foot- a fungal infection affecting mainly the skin between the
toes. It is a form of ringworm.
Basal cell carcinoma - BCCs are abnormal, uncontrolled growths or
lesions that arise in the skins basal cells, which line the deepest layer of
the epidermis (the outermost layer of the skin). BCCs often look like open
sores, red patches, pink growths, shiny bumps, or scars. Usually caused
by a combination of cumulative UV exposure and intense, occasional UV
exposure, BCC can be highly disfiguring if allowed to grow, but almost
never spreads (metastasizes) beyond the original tumour site. Only in
exceedingly rare cases can BCC spread to other parts of the body and
become life-threatening.
Behcet's Disease - (also known as Behet's syndrome) is a rare
condition which causes frequent ulcers in your mouth and genital area
and can affect different parts of your body. It most commonly affects your
eyes and skin.
Blepharitis - inflammation of the eyelid.
Boils- Boils and carbuncles are painful, pus-filled bumps that form under
your skin when bacteria infect and inflame one or more of your hair
follicles.
Boils (furuncles) usually start as red, tender lumps. The lumps quickly fill
with pus, growing larger and more painful until they rupture and drain. A
carbuncle is a cluster of boils that form a connected area of infection
under the skin.
Bowen's Disease - (BD) (also known as "squamous cell carcinoma in
situ" ) is a neoplastic skin disease; it can be considered as an early
stage or intraepidermal form of squamous cell carcinoma. It was named
after John T. Bowen.
Bullous pemphigoid - (BP) is a chronic blistering of the skin. It ranges
from mildly itchy welts to severe blisters and infection, and may affect a
small area of the body or be widespread. The vast majority of those
affected are elderly, but it has been seen at all ages.
Calluses and corns
Candidiasis - infection with candida, especially as causing oral or
vaginal thrush.
Cellulitis - inflammation of subcutaneous connective tissue.

Canker sores - Canker sores are small, shallow ulcers that appear in the
mouth and often make eating and talking uncomfortable. There are two
types of canker sores:
Simple canker sores. These may appear three or four times a
year and last up to a week. They typically occur in people between
10 and 20 years of age.
Complex canker sores. These are less common and occur more
often in people who have previously had them.
Cold sores
Creeping eruption - (also called cutaneous larva migrans or sand-worm
disease) is a skin infection caused by hookworms, which are normally
found in dogs and cats. The parasite spreads to humans through skin
contact with the eggs found in dog and cat feces on the ground.
DandruffDermatitis (eczema)
Dermatofibroma - (superficial benign fibrous histiocytoma) is a common
cutaneous nodule of unknown etiology that occurs more often in
women.Dermatofibroma frequently develops on the extremities (mostly
the lower legs) and is usually asymptomatic, although pruritus and
tenderness can be present.
Echtima - Ecthyma is an ulcerative pyoderma of the skin caused by
bacteria such as Pseudomonas (the most common
isolate), Streptococcus pyogenes, and Staphylococcus aureus. Because
ecthyma extends into the dermis, it is often referred to as a deeper form
of impetigo.
Causes include insect bites and an ignored minor trauma. Wound
cultures usually reveal that the lesions are teeming with bacteria.
Ecthyma describes ulcers forming under a crusted surface
infection. The site may have been that of an insect bite or of
neglected minor trauma. It is treated by antibiotics like cloxacillin,
erythromycin, and cephalexin. Pseudomonas infections are often
treated with two antibiotics due to frequent resistance. Ecthyma
has a predilection for children and elderly individuals. Outbreaks
have also been reported in young military trainees Ecthyma
usually arises on the lower extremities of children, persons with
diabetes, and neglected elderly patients.During wartime in tropical
climates, ecthymatous ulcers are commonly found on the ankles
and dorsa of the feet.
Epidermolysis bullosa - loosening of the epidermis, with extensive
blistering of the skin and mucous membranes, occurring either after
10

injury or as a spontaneous and potentially dangerous condition,

particularly in children.
Erythrasma - is a skin disease that causes brown, scaly skin patches. It
is caused by the Gram-positive bacterium Corynebacterium
minutissimum. It is prevalent among diabetics and the obese, and in
warm climates; it is worsened by wearing occlusive clothing.
Herpes - any of a group of virus diseases caused by herpesviruses,
affecting the skin (often with blisters) or the nervous system.
Hidradenitis suppurativa - (HS) is a skin disease characterized by
clusters of chronic abscesses, epidermoid cysts, sebaceous cysts,
pilonidal cyst or multilocalised infections that most commonly affects
areas bearing apocrine sweat glands, such as the underarms, under the
breasts, inner thighs, groin and buttocks.
Hives - another term for urticaria. A rash of round, red weals on the skin
which itch intensely, sometimes with dangerous swelling, caused by an
allergic reaction, typically to specific foods.
Hyperhidrosis - (hi-pur-hi-DROE-sis) is excessive sweating that occurs
even when the temperature isn't hot and you're not exercising. In some
people who have hyperhidrosis, the sweat literally drips off their
hands.Hyperhidrosis usually affects the palms of the hands, soles of the
feet and underarms.
Ichthyosis - a congenital skin condition which causes the epidermis to
become dry and horny like fish scales.
Impetigo - a contagious bacterial skin infection forming pustules and
yellow crusty sores.
Keloid - an area of irregular fibrous tissue formed at the site of a scar or
injury.
Keratoacanthoma (KA) is a low-grade skin cancer tumour that is
similar to squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). It originates in the skin's
pilosebaceous glands, or hair follicles. This skin cancer tumour grows
rapidly, in just a few weeks to a few months.
Keratosis - a horny growth, especially on the skin.
Lice infection
Lichen planus - is an inflammatory skin condition, characterized by an
itchy, non-infectious rash of small, polygonal (many sided) flat-topped
pink or purple lesions (bumps) on the arms and legs. Other parts of the

11

body may also be affected, including the mouth, nails, scalp, vulva,
vagina, and penis.
Lichen simplex chronicus - (also known as "Neurodermatitis" ) is a skin
disorder characterized by chronic itching and scratching. The constant
scratching causes thick, leathery, brownish skin. Causes[edit] This is a
skin disorder characterized by a self-perpetuating scratch-itch cycle
Lipoma - a benign tumour of fatty tissue.
Lymphadenitis - inflammation of the lymph nodes.
Malignant melanoma - is a neoplasm of melanocytes or a neoplasm of
the cells that develop from melanocytes. Although it was once considered
uncommon, the annual incidence has increased dramatically over the
past few decades.
Melasma - (muh-LAZ-muh) is a common skin problem. It causes brown
to gray-brown patches on the face. Most people get it on their cheeks,
bridge of their nose, forehead, chin, and above their upper lip. It also can
appear on other parts of the body that get lots of sun, such as the
forearms and neck.
Miliaria - medical term for prickly heat. An itchy inflammation of the skin,
typically with a rash of small vesicles, common in hot, humid weather.
Molluscum contagiosum - a chronic viral disorder of the skin
characterized by groups of small, smooth, painless pinkish nodules with
a central depression, that yield a milky fluid when squeezed.
Paget's disease - either a chronic disease of elderly people
characterized by alteration of bone tissue, especially in the spine, skull,
or pelvis, sometimes causing severe pain; osteitis deformans or an
inflammation of the nipple associated with breast cancer.
Pediculosis - infestation with lice.
Pemphigus - a skin disease in which watery blisters form on the skin.
Photo allergy
Photosensitivity
Pityriasis rosea - "pih-tih-RY-uh-sus ROH-zee-uh") is a common skin
problem that causes a rash. Although it can occur at any age, it is seen
most often in those between the ages of 10 and 35. Pityriasis rosea is
usually harmless. But it can cause serious problems in pregnant women.
Pityriasis rubra pilaris - (PRP) is the name given to a group of rare skin
disorders that present with reddish-orange coloured scaling patches with
12

well defined borders. They may cover the entire body or just parts of the
body such as the elbows and knees, palms and soles.
Psoriasis - a skin disease marked by red, itchy, scaly patches.
Reynauds disease - a disease characterized by spasm of the arteries in
the extremities, especially the fingers ( Raynaud's phenomenon ). It is
typically brought on by constant cold or vibration, and leads to pallor,
pain, numbness, and in severe cases, gangrene.
Ring worm - (or tinea corporis) is a common fungal infection resulting
from dermatophytes, which are microscopic organisms that live on the
dead outer layer of skin. The fungus that causes the ring-shaped rash
remains outside of your body at all times. There is no
actual worm involved.
Rosacea - a condition in which certain facial blood vessels enlarge,
giving the cheeks and nose a flushed appearance.
Saint Anthony's fire - (also known historically as Ignis Sacer and
Holy Fire) may refer to one of the following diseases: Ergotism (this
meaning is particularly common in France and Germany) Erysipelas (this
meaning is particularly common in Britain and the United States)
Scabies - a contagious skin disease marked by itching and small raised
red spots, caused by the itch mite.
Scleroderma - a chronic hardening and contraction of the skin and
connective tissue, either locally or throughout the body.
Sebaceous cyst - a swelling in the skin arising in a sebaceous gland,
typically filled with yellowish sebum.
Shingles - a painful acute inflammation of the nerve ganglia, with a skin
eruption often forming a girdle around the middle of the body. It is caused
by the same virus as chickenpox.
Skin cancer - is the most common form of cancer in humans. There are
three main types of skin cancer; basal cell carcinoma and squamous
cell carcinoma (the nonmelanoma skin cancers), and melanoma.
Skin Tags
Spider veins (telangectasia)Squamous cell carcinoma - is a common form of skin cancer that
develops in the thin, flat squamous cells that make up the outer layer of
the skin.
Tick bite
13

Tinea - technical term for ringworm.

Trichomycosis - Infection of the axillary and pubic hairs with the
development of yellow, black, or red concretions around the hair shafts.
Also called lepothrix, trichonodosis.
Varicose veinsVitiligo - a condition in which the pigment is lost from areas of the skin,
causing whitish patches, often with no clear cause.
Warts

14

Module 2 - Tests and Investigations

Allergy patch testing

Allergen-specific serology (serum

allergy tests)

Androgen index

ASO titre - Antistreptolysin O titer.

Antistreptolysin O (ASO) titer is a
blood test to measure antibodies
against streptolysin O, a substance
produced by group A Streptococcus
bacteria. You should not eat for 6
hours before the test.

Australia Antigen - Australia

antigen is an antigen found in the
sera of patients with acute and
chronic hepatitis, and it may actually
be a form of virus. It is very common
in many tropical areas, and people in
these areas having
the antigen appear to be hepatitis
carriers.

Biopsy

Blood tests

Cytology - Exfoliative cytology for

diagnostic purposes is rarely used in
Dermatology despite the rapid and
reliable results which this procedure
can offer in many clinical conditions.
This simple procedure may prove
advantageous in a wide range of skin
diseases, including genodermatoses
(Hailey-Hailey disease), infections
(mainly herpetic infections,
molluscum contagiosum,
leishmaniasis), immune disorders
(early oral pemphigus) and tumours
(basal and squamous cell
carcinomas, Paget disease,
erythroplasia of Queyrat, and others).
The specific circumstances where
cytological examination provides a
very helpful and practical aid to
confirmation or exclusion of a
15

clinically suspected diagnosis are

briefly reviewed. Cytological patterns,
along with some technical hints on
how to take and stain Tzanck smears
correctly, are described in connection
with the diseases considered.
Dermoscopy - Dermatoscopy (also
known as dermoscopy or
epiluminescence microscopy) is the
examination of skin lesions with a
dermatoscope.

Laboratory tests for fungal infection

Laser therapy

Mole mapping - Mole mapping is a

painless, noninvasive tool to help
detect melanoma, a dangerous skin
cancer. It involves using digital
photography to track changes in
moles, which can be an early sign of
melanoma.

Photodynamic therapy
- Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is a
treatment that uses a drug, called a
photosensitizer or photosensitizing
agent, and a particular type of light.
When photosensitizers are exposed
to a specific wavelength of light, they
produce a form of oxygen that kills
nearby cells (13).

Photo testing

Prick tests

Skin scrapings

Spectrophotometric analysis of skin

lesions - Spectrophotometric or
spectral analysis of skin lesions
refers to the use of a skin imaging
device to help evaluate pigmented
skin lesions (moles) and make it
easier to identify and diagnose early
stage malignant melanomas (skin
cancers).

Spectrophotometric analysis is an
advanced form of dermoscopy using
a computer software program that
calculates and extracts information
about the cells and structures of the
skin. Currently, most dermoscopic
devices work by using a powerful
lighting system and a high quality
magnifying lens. Light penetrates the
skin 20 microns deep and magnified
digital photographic images are
taken. Spectrophotometric analysis
takes dermoscopy a step further by
using a light beam that penetrates to
a depth of 2-2.5 mm (1000x deeper)
16

beneath the skin surface. Light

images taken with a digital camera or
hand-held scanner are then fed into a
computer.
Spectrophotometric analysis works
on the principle that light energy is
absorbed and remitted by particular
target cells with colour
(chromophores) in the skin.

Spectrophotometric analysis is used

to aid in the early detection and
diagnosis of malignant melanoma. In
expert hands, it has been shown to
increase diagnostic accuracy
(sensitivity) from around 70% by
clinical examination alone, to 95%.

Module 2 - Therapies/procedures
Allergy testing - 'Patch testing'

Cryosurgery

Systemic therapies

Tattoo removal with laser

Topical therapies

Tumescent liposuction

Vitiligo surgery

Commonly prescribed drugs in dermatology

Altabax

Amevive

Avita Gel

Bactroban Cream

Benzamycin

Botox

Chloraprep

Clindamycin phos gel

Condylox Gel

Dermagraft-TC

Desonate

Differin

Dynabac

Elidel
17

Estrostep

Eumovate

Extina

Finacea

Finevin

Iamin

Invanz

Iontocaine

IvyBlock

Klaron

Lamisil

Lustra

Luxiq

Mentax

MetroLotion

Minoxidil

Noritate

Omnicef

Ortho Tri-Cyclen

Propecia

Protopic ointment

Renova

Retin-A

Salagen

Stelara

Sulfamylon

Tacrolimus

Tazorac topical gel

Terbinafine

Thalomid

Tretinoin

Tygacil

Verdeso

Vibativ

Xyzal

Zyclara

Glossary of terms used in dermatology

Acanthosis Thickening of the prickle cell layer of the skin
Achromasia Lack of normal pigment in the skin
Acne Inflammatory papulopustular skin condition
Actinic keratosis Thick, warty, rough, reddish growth on sun-exposed skin.
May be precancerous to squamous cell carcinoma.
Allergen Substance capable of producing allergy
18

Alopecia Baldness
Angiokeratoma Warty growth in groups
Angiolipoma Benign blood vessel tumour
Androgen profile Hormone test
Antihistamine Drug used to counter effects of allergy
Atopy Hypersensitive state or allergy with hereditary disposition
Bacterid Skin eruption caused by bacterial infection
Basal cell carcinoma Form of skin cancer (BCC)
Bulla Blister or elevated lesion of the skin
Callosity A callus
Cellulitis Local skin infection usually due to the bacterium streptococcus
Cheilitis Inflammation affecting the lips
Cheiropompholyx Intensely itchy skin eruption on the side of the digits, palms
and soles
Chloasma Hyperpigmentation in circumscribed areas of the skin
Cicatrix Scar
Collodian Highly flammable syrupy liquid which dries to clear film, used as
protection to skin to close small cuts or hold dressings in place
Comedone Blackhead
Cryotherapy Therapeutic use of cold
Dermatofibroma Fibrous tumour-like nodule of the skin
Dermatomycosis Superficial fungal infection of the skin
Dermatomyositis Collagen disease that is a serious disease involving
connective tissue
Dermatophyte Parasitic fungus upon the skin
Dermis The middle layer of the skin
Dermatofibroma - Fibrous tumour-like nodule of the skin
19

Dermatomycosis Superficial fungal infection of the skin

Desloughing Getting rid of dead tissue (slough
Desquamation Shedding of the epithelial elements, chiefly of the skin, in scales
or sheets.
Dhobis itch Allergic contact dermatitis caused originally by marking fluid in
Indian laundry, term now used or ringworm of the groin.
Discoid Disc shaped.
Dyschromia Disorder of pigmentation of hair or skin
Eczema The terms eczema or dermatitis are used to describe certain kinds of
inflamed skin conditions
Emollient An agent that softens or soothes the skin
Epidermis The outermost layer of skin. The epidermis has several active zones
of skin cells, including cells that participate in immune reactions. Many
eczematous skin conditions are initiated in the epidermis.
Erythema multiforme Reddening of the skin; many forms; may be allergic.
Erythema nodusum Inflammatory skin disease caused by general infection,
characterized by painful red nodules m the shins
Erythrasma Bacterial infection of the folds of the skin.
Excoriation Results of scratching
Exfoliation Falling off of scales or layers
Follicular Pertaining to a follicle
Gentian violet An antibacterial, antifungal and antihelminthic dye
Genital warts Genital warts, also known as venereal warts or condylomata
acuminata, are caused by the human papilloma virus (HPV).
Glomus Small body mainly composed of fine arterioles
Goeckermans routine Therapy for treating psoriasis
Granuloma annulare Tumour-like mass of granulation tissue forming a ring.
Haemangioma Benign tumour of the vascular endothelium.
Halo Luminous circle used to describe the appearance of some lesions
20

Helminth - worm
Herpes simplex viral infection which gives rise to localized vesicles in the skin
and mucous membranes.
Herpes zoster - shingles
Herpetic Pertaining to the nature of herpes
Hidradenitis suppurativa Inflammation of an apocrine sweat gland.
Hirsutism Excessive hairiness hypertrichosis
Hydrops Abnormal accumulation of fluid in tissue or body cavity (dropsy)
Hyperkeratosis Hypertrophy of the horny layer of the skin
Hyperplasia Abnormal increase in tissue volume by growth of new normal cells
Ichthyosis Any of several generalized skin disorders marked by dryness,
roughness and scaliness.
Impetigo Infection of the skin.
Inspissated Being thickened dried or made less fluid by evaporation
Intertrigo Superficial dermatitis in skin creases such as neck groin or axilla
Kaposis sarcoma Malignant disease chiefly involving the skin, seen in some
patients with AIDS
Keloid Large raised scar that spreads beyond the size of the original wound.
Keratin principal constituent of epidermis, hair, nails and horny tissues.
Keratosis Horny wart-like growths. Many forms: pilar, seborrhoeic, solar.
Lentigo flat brownish pigmented spot on the skin; deep freckle.
Lesion an injury or wound, a localized abnormal structural change in the skin
Leukoderma White areas of skin due to depigmentation
Leukoplakia Disease of the mucous membrane forming white thickened
patches
Lichen type of papular skin disease. Many varieties
Lipoatrophy Loss of fat from underneath the skin. Common causes are aging
and disease.
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Livido Discoloured patches on skin

Lupus Lupus vulgaris tuberculosis of skin
Lymphangioma Tumour composed of new lymph spaces and channels
Macule A flat spot or patch of skin that is not the same colour as the
surrounding skin.
Malignant When referring to cancer, malignant means the ability to grow and
spread in an uncontrolled manner beyond the local confines of the tumour.
Melanoma a skin cancer that arises in melanocytes, the dark pigment cells of
the skin.
Melasma Dark pigmentation of the skin
Malaria Cutaneous changes associated with retention of sweat, prickly heat
Milium whitehead
Molluscum contagiosum Viral disease of skin
Moniliasis Candidiasis, fungal infection with candida - thrush
Naevus General term for mole or haemangioma
Nummular Coin-shaped
Onychogryphosis Deformed overgrowth of nail
Onycholysis Separation of all or part of the nail
Onychomycosis Fungal disease of the nails
Onychophagia Nail biting
Onychosis Disease of the nails
Papilloma Benign tumour derived from epithelium.
Papules PapulesPink bumps on the skin.
Pityriasis a group of skin diseases with fine branny scales.
Pompholyx intensely pruritic skin emption on the sides of digits, palms or soles.
Pruritis itching

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Psoriasis A chronic skin condition that most commonly appears as patches of

raised, red skin covered by scale.
PUVA Photo chemotherapy using Psoralens and UVA (long wave ultraviolet
light).
Reticular Having a net-like pattern or structure
Rhinophyma form of Rosacea marked by redness, hyperplasia, swelling and
congestion of the skin of the nose.
Rosacea A common skin disease that causes redness and swelling on the face.
Salicylic acid used as a keratolytic.
Scabies An infectious skin disease caused by the itch mite.
Sclerodenna chronic hardening and shrinking of connective tissue.
Sclerotherapy a treatment for varicose veins and spider veins. A chemical
solution injected into the enlarged vein causes it to collapse and form scar
tissue.
Seborrhoeic Dermatitis Seborrhoeic dermatitis is a common skin disorder that
can be easily treated This condition exhibits a red, scaly, itchy rash.
Seborrhoeic Keratosis brown or black raised spots, or wart-like growths.
Shingles Medical condition that develops when the varicella-zoster virus, the
virus that causes chicken pox, is reactivated.
Spider veins small, superficial veins that enlarge and appear as a "sunburst"
pattern of reddish and purplish veins.
Squamous cell carcinoma a skin cancer that develops in the outer layers of
the skin. It is one of the forms of skin cancer closely associated with aging and
years of sun exposure.
Stellate Star shaped
Striae atrophicae atrophic, pinkish or purplish scar-like lesions later becoming
silvery-white due to weakening of elastic tissues associated with pregnancy or
obesity.
Telangectasia Vascular lesion formed by dilation of a group of small blood
vessels
Tinea -ringworm
Ulcer Arteriosclerotic, trophic, stasis of leg, aphthous (mouth).
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Unguentum ointment
Urticaria Hives, or "wheals", are pale red swellings of skin that occur in groups
on any part of the skin.
Varicose veins Enlarged blood vessels that appear blue and bulge under the
skin.
Verruca wart
Vesicle Small blister
Vitiligo a skin condition resulting from loss of pigment which produces white
patches.

Module 2 - Assignment
Welcome to your Module 2 Assignment.
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Please note that all your work for this assignment should be saved in one
document and it should follow the following title requirements:
Medical Secretary_ Module 2_Your Name
For this assignment you are required to research all the common side effects of
the Commonly prescribed drugs in Cardiology and Dermatology, using the
Module 2 Assignment document uploaded in your reference materials for this
assignment.
You may use the internet and resources such as: http://www.drugs.com/ to help
with your research.
You are required to research all the drugs listed in the module.
Please read below before submitting your assignment:
1. You must ensure that you have COMPLETED the assignment and all the requirements before
submitting your work.
2. In order to successfully complete your module you are required to achieve a minimum pass
mark of 75%.
3. By submitting your assignment you indicate that you have understood the following statements:
This assignment is my own original work, except where I have appropriately cited the original
source ( References for text or images used )
This assignment has not previously been submitted for assessment in this or any other subject.
If it is deemed that my assignment includes unoriginal work that is not referenced, my assignment
will be failed with no option to resubmit.

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