Dictionary

Paget’s disease of the breast See breast, Paget’s disease of.

Pagon syndrome Congenital anemia with spinocerebellar ataxia (wobbliness) that becomes apparent by age 1. The anemia is characterized by sideroblasts (iron-rich precursors of red blood cells) seen on a blood smear. The syndrome is inherited in an X-linked recessive manner and is due to mutation in the ABC gene that encodes a protein that localizes…

pain A sensation that can range from mild, localized discomfort to agony. Pain has both physical and emotional components. The physical part of pain results from nerve stimulation. Pain may be contained to a discrete area, as in an injury, or it may be more diffuse, as in disorders such as fibromyalgia. Pain is mediated…

pain, back Pain in any part of the back. Pain in the back can relate to the bony spine, discs between the vertebrae, ligaments around the spine and discs, spinal cord and nerves, muscles of the back, internal organs, or skin covering the back. Causes of back pain can include injury, overstress, or disease.

oxygen chamber, hyperbaric See hyperbaric oxygen chamber.

ounce 1 A measure of weight equal to 28.4 grams or 1⁄16 pound. Abbreviated oz. 2 A measure of volume equal to 5 milliliters, 2 tablespoons, or 1⁄8 cups.

outpatient A patient who is not hospitalized, but instead comes to a physician’s office, clinic, or day surgery office for treatment.

ova Plural of ovum.

ovarian carcinoma See cancer, ovarian.

ovarian disease, polycystic See SteinLeventhal syndrome.

ovarian teratoma An ovarian tumor that is usually benign and typically contains a diversity of tissues. An ovarian teratoma develops from a totipotential germ cell—a primary oocyte—that is retained within the ovary. Totipotential cells can give rise to all orders of cells that are necessary to form mature tissues and often recognizable structures, such as…

ovary The female gonad, one of a pair of reproductive glands in women. The ovaries are located in the pelvis, one on each side of the uterus. Each ovary is about the size and shape of an almond. The ovaries produce eggs (ova) and female hormones. During each monthly menstrual cycle, an egg is released…