[Malignant] mesothelioma is a form of cancer that develops from cells of the mesothelium (i.e. protective lining that covers many of the internal organs of the body). Cause Exposure to asbestos, most...

Compartment syndrome is increased pressure within 1 of the body's fascial compartments (i.e. section within body that contains muscles and nerves, and is surrounded by fascia). It most commonly occurs in...

Intussusception is where the intestine invaginates (folds in on itself) into another section of the intestine, analogous to the way parts of a collapsible telescope slide into one another. This...

Gestational age (GA, aka menstrual age, weeks gestation, WG) is a measure of the age of pregnancy, where the origin is the woman's last normal menstrual period (LMP), or the...

Colectomy is surgical resection of any extent of the large intestine (colon). Indications Colon cancer Diverticulitis and diverticular disease of the large intestine Trauma IBD (inflammatory bowel disease), e.g. uclerative colitis → neither cures nor eliminates Crohn's,...

Gravidity and parity (G/P/A) are terms relating to pregnancy. Definition It is the number of times a female has: Gravidity means having been pregnant, regardless of whether it has been brought to viability (yet alone...

Fluoride supplements are recommended to prevent tooth decay in kids >6mo in areas where the drinking water is low in fluoride. It is typically used as a liquid, pill, or...

Urinary incontinence (aka enuresis) is any leakage of urine. It is especially problematic if it occurs repeatedly, and in Pt's old enough expected to exercise such control. [faq]What is urinary incontinence? Number one's...

Orthostatic hypotension (aka postural hypotension, orthostasis, head rush, dizzy spell) is hypotension where a Pt's BP falls when suddenly standing up or stretching. Dx Fall in systolic BP, of 20mmHg+, or diastolic...

Acromegaly (from Grek "acro" meaning "extremities", and "megaly" meaning "large") is where the anterior pituitary produces excess growth hormone (GH), after epiphyseal plate closure [at puberty]. Sx Can result in severe disfigurement Gigantism It...