cystitis, interstitial Chronic inflammation or irritation of the bladder wall of unknown cause. This inflammation can lead to scarring and stiffening of the bladder, and even to ulcerations and bleeding. Diagnosis is based on symptoms, findings from cystoscopy and biopsy, and elimination of other treatable causes, such as infection, as suspects. Treatment is aimed at…
cystitis Inflammation of the bladder. See also bladder inflammation.
cystinuria A genetic disorder that affects the transport of an amino acid called cystine and results in an excess of cystine in the urine and the formation of cystine kidney stones. Cystinuria is the most common defect in the transport of amino acids. Signs and symptoms of cystinuria include blood in the urine (hematuria); pain…
cystine transport disease See cystinuria.
cystine kidney stones Kidney stones formed due to an excess of cystine in the urine. Small stones are passed in the urine, but big stones remain in the kidney, impairing the outflow of urine. Medium-size stones can make their way from the kidney into the ureter and lodge there, further blocking the flow of urine….
cystine An amino acid that is particularly notable because it is the least soluble of all naturally occurring amino acids and because it precipitates out of solution in the heritable disease cystinuria. Cystine tends to precipitate out of urine and form stones (calculi) in the urinary tract, which can obstruct the flow of urine. See…
cysticercosis An infection caused by the pork tapeworm, Taenia solium. Infection occurs when the tapeworm larvae enter the body and form cysts called cysticerci. When cysticerci are found in the brain, the condition is called neurocysticercosis. Cysticercosis is contracted by accidentally swallowing pork tapeworm eggs. Tapeworm eggs are passed in the bowel movement of a…
cystic fibrosis A common grave genetic disease that affects the exocrine glands and is characterized by the production of abnormal secretions, leading to mucus buildup that impairs the pancreas and, secondarily, the intestine. Mucus buildup in lungs can impair respiration. Abbreviated CF. Without treatment, CF results in death for 95 percent of affected children before…
cystic acne A localized infection (abscess) that is formed when oil ducts become clogged and infected. Cystic acne is most common in the teenage years. Treatment includes avoiding irritants on the face, including many cleansers and cosmetics, and in some severe cases, use of steroid or antibiotic medication. Cystic acne can cause permanent scarring in…
cystectomy Surgery to remove the bladder.
cyst of the ovary, follicular A fluid-filled sac in the ovary. A follicular cyst is the most common type of ovarian cyst. It results from the overgrowth of a follicle, the fluid-filled cyst that contains an egg, that does not rupture to release the egg. Normally ovarian cysts resolve with no intervention over the course…
cyst, thyrolingual See cyst, thyroglossal.