Medical definitions of the day

[danaeris]

• acromegaloid facial features:
  

  thickened lips (without a true 'double lip'), overgrowth of the intraoral mucosa resulting in exaggerated rugae and frenula, and thickened upper eyelids leading to narrow palpebral fissures (blepharophimosis). The nose tended to be bulbous. The hands were large and doughy without clubbing. Highly arched eyebrows were striking in published photographs. There was no evident impairment of general health.

  
  
  Andre the giant, who played Fezzik in The Princess Bride, had acromegaly, which is often linked with gigantism (being giant). While those with acromegaly often (always?) have insulin resistance, it is rare for women with PCOS to have acromegaly. Normally, cases of acromegaly fall into a much more severe category of insulin resistance.



• acral:
  

  Relating to or affecting the peripheral parts, eg, limbs, fingers, ears, etc.




• acanthosis nigricans:
  

  Acanthosis nigricans refers to the skin changes commonly associated with insulin resistance. The skin in affected areas takes on a darker pigmentation and is often said to have a velvety appearance. The areas most commonly affected include the neck, groin, and under the breasts and arms.

  
  
  This is one of the many symptoms which, along with other symptoms and signs, can indicate a PCOS diagnosis. I didn't think I had these patches, but now I think I do. They are visible though not terribly unsightly on my inner upper thighs, and around my belly button. I thought the darkening of my thighs was just from them rubbing together. Maybe it is acanthosis nigricans, and maybe it isn't. I'm no doctor. I can only call what I see. If you want to see pictures, there are plenty on google image search. Some of them just look like darker skin. Some of them look pretty hideous. This search, even with Moderate Safe Search turned on, WILL turn up some genital images, but they are solely for demonstration of examples of these skin patches. Use your judgement when at work.



• etiological:
  From what I'm reading, this is sort of like etymological, except more general. It is related to causality. In the sentence I was reading, it said, "[these symptoms] could have etiological significance." What they're saying is that these symptoms may be the cause, or be significant clues as to the cause.

OK, I have to stop, because I could go on like this all night. Medicine is interesting!