Bma Illustrated Medical Dictionary

cachexiaA condition of severe weight
loss and decline in health caused by a
serious underlying disease, such as can-
cer or tuberculosis, or by starvation.
cadaverA dead human body used as a
source of transplant organs or for
anatomical study and dissection.
cadmium poisoningThe toxic effects of
cadmium, a tin-like metal. Poisoning due
to the inhalation of cadmium dust or
fumes is an industrial hazard. Short-term
exposure may lead to pneumonitis.Ex-
posure over a long period can lead to
urinary tract calculi(stones), kidney fail-
ure, or emphysema. Eating vegetables
grown in cadmium-rich soil, or food or
drink stored in cadmium-lined contain-
ers, can also cause poisoning.
caecumThe first section of the large
intestine, joining the ileum(the end of
the small intestine) to the colon. The
appendixprojects from the caecum.
(See also digestive system).
caesarean sectionAn operation to
deliver a baby from the uterus through
a horizontal or, less commonly, a vertical

incision in the abdomen. A caesarean

section is performed when it is difficult

or dangerous to deliver a baby vaginally.

The procedure is performed using epidu-

ralor general anaesthesia.

café au lait spotsPatches of coffee-

coloured skin that may occur anywhere

on the body. Café au lait spots are usu-

ally oval in shape and may measure

several centimetres across. Generally, a

few spots are not significant; larger num-

bersmay be a sign of neurofibromatosis.

caffeineA stimulant drugfound in cof-

fee, tea, cocoa, and cola drinks. Caffeine

reduces fatigue, improves concentration,

makes the heart pump blood faster, and

has a diuretic effect. Large quantities

may produce side effects such as agita-

tion and tremors. A regular high intake

may lead to increased toleranceand

withdrawal symptoms, such as headaches

and tiredness, after a few hours without

caffeine. Caffeine is used in some drug

preparations, particularly in combination

with analgesicsand with ergotamine in

preventive treatments for migraine.

caisson diseaseAn alternative term for

decompression sickness.

calamineA preparation of zinc oxide

and iron oxide applied as an ointment,

lotion, or dusting powder to relieve skin

irritation and itching. Calamine may be

combined with a local anaesthetic (see

anaesthesia, local), a corticosteroid drug,

or an antihistamine drug.

CACHEXIA CALAMINE

C

Nurse Oxygen

mask

CAESAREAN SECTION

Screen
Intravenous
fluids

Birth

partner

C

Surgeon

SITE OF

INCISION