Medical Abbreviations

Cyanosis is a medical term describing a bluish discoloration of the skin and mucous membranes caused by insufficient oxygen in the blood. It is a clinical sign rather than a disease, typically indicating a cardiorespiratory issue. The word is used in professional medical contexts and requires careful pronunciation to avoid confusion with similar-sounding terms.

Cystitis is a medical term for inflammation of the bladder, usually presenting with pain and a frequent urge to urinate. It is a noun used in clinical and patient contexts to describe a condition that can be acute or chronic. Correct pronunciation helps you discuss symptoms precisely in medical conversations and documentation.

electrocardiography is the medical procedure or process of recording the electrical activity of the heart over a period of time, typically using surface electrodes. It is used to diagnose heart conditions, monitor rhythm and conduction abnormalities, and guide treatment. The term also refers to the field or technique of performing such recordings and the devices involved, including the electrocardiograph.

Electroencephalography is a medical imaging method that records electrical activity of the brain via scalp electrodes. It is used to diagnose epilepsy, sleep disorders, and other neurological conditions. The term labels the process of measuring brain potentials over time, producing a tracing that reflects neural dynamics across cortical regions.

electroretinography is a diagnostic test that measures the electrical responses of various cells in the retina, typically in response to light stimulation. The technique records electrical signals generated by retinal photoreceptors and other retinal neurons to assess retinal function and detect abnormalities. It combines electroencephalography-style amplification with a light-evoked retinal response for clinical evaluation.

Encephalomalacia is a neurological condition characterized by softening of brain tissue due to infarction, inflammation, or infection. It denotes irreversible cerebral tissue loss, often presenting as cavities or gliosis on imaging. The term is primarily used in medical contexts and linked to prognosis and pathology reports.

Endometriosis is a chronic condition in which tissue similar to the lining of the uterus grows outside the uterine cavity, causing pain and potential fertility issues. It is not cancer, but it can lead to significant symptoms and complications. The term designates the disease process and location of abnormal endometrial-like tissue throughout the pelvis and beyond.

Epididymitis is a medical term for inflammation of the epididymis, typically causing pain and swelling in the testicular area. It is often linked to infection or sexually transmitted infections, and may require medical evaluation and treatment. The word is primarily used in clinical and anatomical contexts.

Epilepsy is a neurological disorder characterized by recurrent, unprovoked seizures. It reflects abnormal electrical activity in the brain and can vary from brief absence seizures to convulsive events. Management often includes medication, lifestyle adjustments, and, in some cases, surgical options, with the goal of reducing seizure frequency and improving quality of life.

Esophageal describes anything related to the esophagus, the muscular tube that transports food from the throat to the stomach. In medical contexts, it often appears in discussions of anatomy, disease, or procedures affecting the esophagus. The term is used mostly in clinical writing and professional discourse, with pronunciation preserved across varieties of English.

Esophagogastric refers to the region where the esophagus and stomach connect, or to procedures or conditions involving both organs. In medical usage, it describes structures or processes at the gastroesophageal junction and adjacent stomach portion. The term combines esophagus and gastric elements, often in contexts like endoscopy or surgical planning. It is an expert, clinical term used primarily in healthcare settings.

Esophagogastroduodenoscopy is a diagnostic procedure that uses a flexible endoscope to visualize the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum. The term refers to the combined regions examined: esophagus, stomach, and duodenum, typically performed to investigate symptoms or screen for GI conditions. The word is lengthy and often abbreviated as EGD in clinical settings.

Gastrectomy is a surgical procedure involving partial or total removal of the stomach. It’s used to treat conditions like stomach cancer or severe ulcers. The term combines the Greek stoma- (mouth) with -ectomy (surgical removal), and is spoken with care to maintain clear distinction of the syllables in medical contexts.

Gastroenterology is the medical specialty focusing on the digestive system, its diseases, and their treatment. It involves diagnosing and managing conditions from the esophagus to the intestines, liver, pancreas, and biliary tract. Clinically, gastroenterologists perform procedures like endoscopy and colonoscopy, and coordinate care for complex gastrointestinal disorders.

Gastroesophageal is an adjective describing anything related to the stomach (gastro-) and the esophagus (esophageal). It is typically used in medical contexts to denote conditions, parts, or relationships involving both organs, often in terms of anatomy, pathology, or surgical considerations. The term is polysyllabic and commonly appears in professional discourse, journals, and clinical discussions.

Gynecomastia is a medical term describing the enlargement of male breast tissue. It is a noun used in clinical contexts and patient education. The word combines Greek roots and has a distinctive multi-syllabic stress pattern that can be challenging for non-medical speakers.

Hepatomegaly is the medical term for an enlarged liver. It is a noun used in clinical contexts to describe hepatomegaly of varying degrees, often indicating underlying hepatic disease or systemic illness. The word combines two Greek-derived elements and is commonly encountered in medical documentation and discussions of liver pathology.