STAPHYLOCOCCUS AND STREPTOCOCCUS-LESSON 40

We start this lesson with a tip, i.e. words ending in -us commonly form their plural by dropping the -us and adding -i. Thus, nucleus becomes nuclei and coccus becomes cocci (KOK-si).

STREPTOCOCCUS:

A Streptococcus is a beery-shaped bacterium that grows in twisted chains. One group of streptococci are responsible for such conditions as "strep" throat, tonsilitis, rheumatic fever, and certain kidney ailments, whereas another group cause infections in teeth, in the sinuses (cavities) of nose and face, and sometimes in the valves of the heart.

The genus streptococcus is comprised of gram-positive, microaerophilic cocci (round), which are not motile and occur in chains or pairs. The genus is defined by a combination of antigenic, hemolytic, and physiological characteristics into groups a, b, c, d, f, and g. groups a and d can be transmitted to humans via food.

STAPHYLOCOCCUS:

A Staphylococcus is a bacterium that grows in small clusters, like grapes. Staphylococcal lesions may be external (skin abscesss, boils, and styes) or internal (abscesses in bone and kidney). (An abscess is a collection of pus, white cells, and protein that is present at the site of infection).

The Staphylococcus is a genus of spherical bacteria of the family micrococcaceae, the best known species of which are universally present in great numbers on the mucous membranes and skin of humans and other warm-blooded animals. The term staphylococcus, generally used for all the species, refers to the cells' habit of aggregating in grapelike clusters.

In the next lesson, we will learn about BLOOD CELLS..ok

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AMNIOCENTESIS-HERNIA-A MEDICAL TRANSCRIPTIONIST MUST KNOW-LESSON 39

What is amniocentesis and what is amniotic fluid?

The amnion is the sac (membrane) which surrounds the embryo (an embryo is the fetus of 8th

week age) in the uterus. A fluid accumulates within this sac, which is called amniotic
fluid and can be withdrawn through a process called amniocentesis. This can be done after
the fetus growth at the stage of 13th week to analyze the fetus condition. In this process,
after the fluid withdrawal, the fluid will be cultured, and the cells of the fetus in the
fluid are grown, and then analyzed by microscopic process.

What is the importance of amniocentesis in child birth?

Using this method a karyotype or classification of chromosomes are done to analyze the

chromosomes in those cells. The presence of high levels of certain chemicals may indicate
defects if any in the developing spinal cord and spinal column of the fetus.

How is amniocentesis is performed?

Amniocentesis (also referred to as amniotic fluid test or AFT), is a medical procedure used
in prenatal diagnosis of chromosomal abnormalities and fetal infections [1], in which a
small amount of amniotic fluid, which contains fetal tissues, is extracted from the amnion
or amniotic sac surrounding a developing fetus, and the fetal DNA is examined for genetic
abnormalities.

Before the actual procedure, a local anesthetic is sometimes given to relieve the pain when
inserting the needle used to withdraw the fluid. A needle is usually inserted through the
mother's abdominal wall or at the end of the vagina, and through the wall of the uterus into
the amniotic sac. With assistance from ultrasound, a physician aims towards an area of the
sac that is away from the fetus and extracts a small amount of amniotic fluid for
testing.The puncture heals, and the amniotic sac replenishes the liquid over a day or so.
After the amniotic fluid is extracted, the fetal cells are separated from it using a
centrifuge, and the fetal chromosomes are examined for abnormalities. Various genetic
testing may be performed, but the three most common abnormalities tested for are Down
syndrome, Trisomy 18 and spina bifida. Amniocentesis can be performed as soon as sufficient
amniotic fluid surrounds the fetus to allow a sample to be recovered relatively safely,
usually no earlier than the 14th or 15th week of pregnancy. Often, genetic counseling is
offered in conjunction with amniocentesis.

What is the risk of this procedure?

The amniotic sac may get infected while using the needle to withdraw fluid from it, and if
the puncture made by the needle failed, this also can cause infection or leakage of amniotic
fluid, and may lead to miscarriage in serious conditions. The other possible complications
are preterm labor and delivery, respiratory distress, postural deformities, fetal trauma and
alloimmunisation (rhesus disease).

In the series of learning some important terms under the heading appendices, we will learn
next about streptococcus and staphylococcus..ok

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HERNIA-A MEDICAL TRANSCRIPTIONIST MUST KNOW-2-LESSON 38

TYPES OF HERNIAS:  INGUINAL HERNIA: This type of hernia occurs in the groin (the area between the abdomen and thigh). It is called inguinal

because the intestines push through a weak spot in the inguinal canal, which is a triangle-shaped opening between layers of abdominal muscle near the groin. Obesity, pregnancy, heavy lifting, and straining to pass stool can cause the intestine to push against the inguinal canal.

Symptoms of inguinal hernia: These may include a lump in the groin near the thigh, pain in the groin, and in severe cases, partial or complete blockage of the intestine. The doctor diagnoses hernia by doing a physical exam and by taking X-rays and blood tests to check for blockage in the intestine.

Treatment: Repair of inguinal hernias done by using laparoscopic techniques.

HIATAL HERNIA (HIATUS HERNIA): A hiatal hernia develops in a small opening in the diaphragm that allows the upper part of the stomach to move up into the chest. It causes heartburn from the stomach acid that flows back up through the opening.

EPIGASTRIC HERNIA: This type of hernia occurs as a result of a weakness in the muscles of the upper-middle abdomen, above the navel. Men are about three times more likely to have an epigastric hernia than women, and the majority occur in people between 20 and 50 years of age.

UMBILICAL HERNIA: Another natural area of weakness in the abdomen is the navel, which is made up of tissue that is thinner than that in the rest of the abdomen. These hernias can occur in babies, children and adults.

FEMORAL HERNIA: A femoral hernia occurs in the area between the abdomen and the thigh, and appears as a bulge on the upper thigh. This type of hernia is more common in women than men.

INCISIONAL HERNIA: A type of hernia called incisional can occur at the site of an incision from a previous surgery. The fat or tissue pushes through a weakness created by the surgical scar. An incisional hernia can occur months or years after the initial surgery.

TREATMENT FOR HERNIA: For small, non-strangulated and non-incarcerated hernias, various supports and trusses may offer temporary, symptomatic relief. However, the best treatment is herniorrhaphy (surgical closure or repair of the muscle wall through which the hernia protrudes).

When the weakened area is very large, some strong synthetic material may be sewn over the defect to reinforce the weak area. Postoperative care involves protecting the patient from respiratory infections that might cause coughing or sneezing, which would strain the suture line. Recovery is usually quick and complete.

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HERNIA-A MEDICAL TRANSCRIPTIONIST MUST KNOW-1-LESSON 37

In this lesson we will study about hernia in detail. This term is used often in medical transcription while doing files. 

HERNIA:  Hernia is a protrusion or bulging forth, of an organ or the muscular wall of an organ through the cavity that normally contains it. The hernia has three parts: the orifice through which it herniates, the hernial sac, and its contents.

CHARACTERISTICS OF HERNIA: 

1. Congenital or acquired: congenital hernias occur prenatally or in the first year(s) of life, and are caused by a congenital defect, whereas acquired hernias develop later on in life. However, this may be on the basis of a locus minoris resistentiae (Lat. place of least resistance) that is congenital, but only becomes symptomatic later in life, when degeneration and increased stress (for example, increased abdominal pressure from coughing in COPD) provoke the hernia.

2. Complete or incomplete: for example, the stomach may partially herniate into the chest, or completely.

3. Internal or external: external ones herniate to the outside world, whereas internal hernias protrude from their normal compartment to another (for example, mesenteric hernias).

4. Intraparietal hernia: hernia that does not reach all the way to the subcutis, but only to the musculoaponeurotic layer. An example is a Spigelian hernia. Intraparietal hernias may produce less obvious bulging, and may be less easily detected on clinical examination.

5. Bilateral: in this case, simultaneous repair may be considered, sometimes even with a giant prosthetic reinforcement.

6. Irreducible (also known as incarcerated): the hernial contents cannot be returned to their normal site with simple manipulation. If irreducible, hernias can develop several complications (hence, they can be complicated or uncomplicated):

7. Strangulation: pressure on the hernial contents may compromise blood supply (especially veins, with their low pressure, are sensitive, and venous congestion often results) and cause ischemia, and later necrosis and gangrene, which may become fatal.

8. Obstruction: for example, when a part of the bowel herniates, bowel contents can no longer pass the obstruction. This results in cramps, and later on vomiting, ileus, absence of flatus and absence of defecation. These signs mandate urgent surgery.

9. Dysfunction: another complication arises when the herniated organ itself, or surrounding organs start dysfunctioning (for example, sliding hernia of the stomach causing heartburn, lumbar disc hernia causing sciatic nerve pain, etc.).

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MEDICAL TERMINOLOGY-MORE SUFFIXES USED IN MEDICAL TRANSCRIPTION-3-LESSON 36

We now see some shorter suffixes used in medical language, which will be useful in medical transcription.

1. -er means one who-

radiographer-person who record x-rays

2. -ia means condition

leukemia-condition of increased WBC of cancerous nature

pneumonia-disease condition of lungs

3. -ist means one who specializes in

cardiologist-one who specializes in heart diseases

neurologist-one who specializes in nerve diseases

4. -ole means little, small

arteriole-small or little arteries

5. -ule means little, small

venule-small or little vein

6. -um, -ium means structure, tissue, thing

pericardium-strucutre surrounding the heart

7. -y means condition or process

cardiomyopathy-disease condition of heart

Now we see some adjective suffixes used in medical language useful for medical transcription.

1. -ac, -iac means pertaining to

cardiac-pertaining to heart

2. -al means pertaining to

peritoneal-pertaining to pericardium

pleural-pertaining to pleura

3. -ar means pertaining to

tonsillar-pertaining to tonsills

4. -ary means pertaining to

pulmonary-pertaining to lungs

axillary-pertaining to armpits

5. -eal means pertaining to

laryngeal-pertaining to larynx

6. -ic, -ical means pertaining to

cardiac-pertaining to heart

chronic-pertaining to time

7. -oid means resembling

adenoids-resembling the glands

epidermoid-resembling epidermis

8. -ose means pertaining to, full of

adipose-pertaining to full of fat

9. -ous means pertaining to

mucous-pertaining to mucus in the sticky condition

10. -tic means pertaining to

necrotic-pertaining to death of a cell or tissue

In the next lesson, we will study more important terms and disease conditions useful in medical transcription..ok

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MEDICAL TERMINOLOGY-MOST COMMON SUFFIXES USED IN MEDICAL TRANSCRIPTION-2-LESSON 35

1. –pathy means disease condition-

cardiomyopathy-disease condition of the heart muscles

2. –penia means deficiency

erythropenia-deficiency or RBC

3. –phobia means fear

acrophobia-fear of heights

agoraphobia- fear of crowds and market place

4. –plasia means development, formation, growth

achondroplasia-malformation of cartilage of bones

5. –plasty means surgical repair

angioplasty-surgical repair in the blood vessels

6. –ptosis means drooping, sagging

blepharoptosis-sagging or falling of the eyelids

7. scleosis means hardening

arteriosclerosis-hardening of blood vessels or arteries

8. –scope means instrument for visual examination

laparascope-instrument for viewing abdomen

9. –scopy means process of visual examination

laparoscrope-process of visual examination of the abdomen

10. –stasis means stopping, controlling

metastasis-spreading beyond control

11. –stomy means opening to form a mouth

tracheostomy-forming an opening in the windpipe

12. –therapy means treatment

hydrotherapy-treatment with water

chemotherapy-treatment with drugs

radiotherapy-treatment with x-rays

13. –tomy means incision, to cut into

laparotomy-incision into the abdomen

14. –trophy means nourishment, development

hypertrophy-excessive development

atrophy-no development

In the next lesson we will see about shorter suffixes and adjective suffixes..ok

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MEDICAL TERMINOLOGY-MOST COMMON SUFFIXES IN MEDICAL TRANSCRIPTION-LESSON: 34

Suffix or word ending is of two types i.e. NOUN SUFFIXES and ADJECTIVE SUFFIXES. Now we will the list of each one by one. These suffixes are used most common in medical transcription.

Now we will see NOUN SUFFIXES.

1. -algia means pain- arthralgia-pain in the joints

neuralgia-pain the nerves

otalgia-pain in the ear

myalgia-pain in the muscle

2. -cele means hernia

rectocele-hernia in the rectum (for female)

cystocele-hernia in the bladder

3. -centesis means surgical puncture to remove fluid

thoracocentesis-puncture the chest to remove fluid

amniocentesis-puncture of the abdomen (also known as paracentesis)

4. -coccus means berry-shaped

streptococcus-a bacteria looked like twisted chain

staphylococci-cluster shaped bacteria

5. -dynia means pain

pleurodynia-pain of chest

6. -ectomy means excision, removal, resection

laryngectomy-removal of voice box

mastectomy-removal of breast

7. -emia means blood condition

anemia-condition of the RBC in blood

ischemia-obstruction of blood flow due to the removing of blood vessels

8. -genesis means condition of producing, forming

carcinogenesis-producing cancer

angiogenesis-development of new blood vessels

9. -genic means pertaining to, producing

carcinogenic-pertaining to producing cancer

10. -gram means record

electroencephalogram-record of brain waves

11. -graph means instrument for recording

electroencephalograph

12. -graphy means process of recording

electroencephalography

13. -itis means inflammation

bronchitis-inflammation of bronchial tubes

tonsilitis-inflammation of tonsils

blepharitis-inflammation of eyelids

14. -logy means study of

psychology-study of mind

ophthalmology-study of eyes

15. -lysis means breakdown, destruction, separation

hemolysis-breakdown of blood cells

16. -malacia means softening

osteomalacia-softening of bones

chondromalacia-softening of cartilage

17. -megaly means enlargement

acromegaly-enlargement of abnormal growth of extremities

splenomegaly-enlargement of spleen

18. -oma means tumor, mass, collection of fluid

myoma-tumor of muscles

myeloma-tumor of bone marrow

hematoma-mass of blood in a cavity

19. -opsy means to view

biopsy-to view live cells

autopsy-to view dead cells

20. -osis means condition, usually abnormal

necrosis-condition of dead tissue

hydronephrosis-abnormal condition of kidney

lymphocytosis-abnormal increase in the lymph cells

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