Dictionary

cystectomy Surgery to remove the bladder.

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…

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…

culdoscope The viewing tube (endoscope) introduced through the end of the vagina into the rectouterine pouch (the pouch of Douglas), an extension of the peritoneal cavity between the rectum and back wall of the uterus, in a culdoscopy.

culdoscopy The introduction of a viewing tube (called an endoscope or culdoscope) through the end of the vagina into the rectouterine pouch (the pouch of Douglas), an extension of the peritoneal cavity between the rectum and back wall of the uterus.

cultural evolution Social change mediated by ideas. Cultural evolution shows a rapid rate of change, is usually purposeful and often beneficial, is widely disseminated by diverse means, is frequently transmitted in complex ways, and is enriched by the frequent formation of new ideas and new technologies. Cultural evolution is unique to humans among all forms…

culture In microbiology, the propagation of microorganisms in a growth medium. Any body tissue or fluid can be evaluated in the laboratory by using culture techniques to detect and identify infectious processes. Culture techniques can be used to determine sensitivity to antibiotics. Cells may also be grown in culture.

curettage Removal of tissue with a curette from the wall of a cavity or another surface. For example, curettage may be done to remove skin cancer. After a local anesthetic numbs the area, the skin cancer is scooped out with a curette. Curettage may also be done in the uterus; dilation and curettage (D&C) refers…

curette spoon-shaped instrument that has a sharp edge. The word curette comes from French and means “scraper.” Also spelled curet.

Curie A unit of radioactivity. Specifically, a Curie is the quantity of any radioactive nuclide in which the number of disintegrations per second is 3.7 × 10 to the 10th power.

Cushingoid Having the constellation of symptoms and signs seen in Cushing’s syndrome, caused by an excess of cortisol hormone, particularly facial puffiness and unexplained weight gain. For example, a Cushingoid appearance can result from the extended use of cortisone medications, such as prednisone and prednisolone. See also Cushing’s syndrome.

Cushing’s syndrome A constellation of symptoms and signs caused by an excess of cortisol hormone. Cushing’s syndrome is a hormonal condition that affects many areas of the body. Common symptoms are thinning of the skin; weakness; weight gain; bruising; hypertension; diabetes; thin, weak bones (osteoporosis); facial puffiness; and, in women, cessation of menstrual periods. One…