Dictionary

papilloma A small solid benign tumor with a clear-cut border that projects above the surrounding tissue. A raised wart is an example of a papilloma.

papilledema Swelling of the head of the optic nerve, a sign of increased pressure within the skull. The optic nerve head is the area where the optic nerve (the nerve that carries information from the retina to the brain) enters the eyeball. Papilledema is diagnosed through use of an ophthalmoscope. The optic nerve head is…

papillary tumor A tumor that is shaped like a small mushroom, with its “stem” attached to an organ, such as the inner lining of the bladder.

Pap test A screening test for cervical cancer that involves the microscopic examination of cells collected from the cervix, smeared on a slide, and specially stained. A Pap test can reveal premalignant and malignant changes in the cells, as well as changes that are due to noncancerous conditions, such as inflammation. Named after the physician…

panniculitis The inflammation of fatty tissue beneath the skin. It is associated with a number of different medical conditions. Some cases are associated with an inflammation of the blood vessels and/or connective tissue.

panniculectomy A surgical procedure that removes excess, loose skin and fat from the lower abdomen, typically performed after massive weight loss. It may be performed in conjunction with other abdominal surgeries. A panniculectomy is one type of body-contouring surgery.

panic disorder An anxiety disorder that is characterized by sudden attacks of fear and panic. Panic attacks may occur without a known reason, but more frequently they are triggered by fear-producing events or thoughts, such as taking an elevator or driving. Symptoms of panic attacks include rapid heartbeat, strange chest sensations, shortness of breath, dizziness,…

panic attack A sudden attack of fear or panic, often accompanied by physical symptoms such as tachycardia (rapid heartbeat), chest pressure or pain, shortness of breath, dizziness, tingling, and anxiety. Hyperventilation, agitation, and withdrawal are common results. See also panic disorder.

panic A sudden strong feeling of fear that prevents reasonable thought or action. The word comes from the name of the Greek woodland god Pan, who was a frightening figure—part human, part goat—and whose pet caprice was to terrify people who ventured into rural areas.

pandiculation The act of stretching and yawning.

pandemic 1 An epidemic of disease that is very widespread, affecting a whole region, a continent, or the world. 2 Widely epidemic. For example, AIDS is currently pandemic in Africa.

PANDAS Pediatric autoimmune disorders associated with streptococcus, the sudden onset of symptoms such as those of obsessive-compulsive disorder or Tourette’s syndrome following infection with streptococcus bacteria. PANDAS is caused by an autoimmune reaction that affects the basal ganglia in the brain. Diagnosis is primarily made through observation. Treatment involves cognitive behavioral therapy and medication for…