Bma Illustrated Medical Dictionary

include acne, stretch marks, bruising,
weakening of the bones by osteoporosis,
susceptibility to infection and peptic
ulcers,and, in women, increased hairi-
ness. Mental changes frequently occur,
causingdepression, insomnia, paranoia,
or, euphoria. Hypertension, oedema,and
diabetes mellitusmay develop. In children,
growth may be suppressed.
The excess hormones are most com-
monly due to prolonged treatment with
corticosteroid drugs. Such cases of
Cushing’s syndrome are usually mild. In
other cases, high hormone levels are
due to overactivity of the adrenal glands
as a result of an adrenal tumour, or of a
pituitary tumouraffecting production of
ACTH(adrenocortocotrophic hormone),
which stimulates the adrenal glands.
Cushing’s syndrome caused by cortico-
steroid drugs usually disappears if the
dose is gradually reduced. A tumour of
an adrenal gland is removed surgically. A
pituitary tumour may be removed surgi-
cally or shrunk by irradiation and drug
treatment. In both cases, surgery is fol-
lowed by hormone replacement therapy.
cusp, dentalA protrusion on the grind-
ing surface of a tooth.
cutaneousRelating to the skin.
cutdownCreation of a small skin inci-
sion in order to gain access to a veinto
take blood or to give intravenousfluid.
This is sometimes needed when a vein
cannot be identified through the skin in
conditions such as shock.
cuticleThe outermost layer of skin. The
term commonly refers to the thin flap of
skin at the base of a nail; and also to
the outer layer of a hair shaft.

CVSThe abbreviation for chorionic villus

samplingand for cardiovascular system.

cyanideAny of a group of salts of hydro-

cyanic acid. Most are highly poisonous;

inhalation or ingestion can rapidly lead

to breathlessness, paralysis, and death.

cyanocobalaminAn alternative name

for vitamin B 12.

cyanosisA bluish coloration of the skin

or mucous membranes due to too much

deoxygenated haemoglobinin the blood.

Cyanosis confined to the hands and feet

is not seriousand is usually due to slow

blood flow, often as a result of exposure

to cold. A blue tinge to the lips and

tongue, however, could bedue to a heart

or lung disorder such as chronic obstruc-

tive pulmonary disease or heart failure.

cyclopenthiazideA thiazide diureticdrug

used to reduce oedemaassociated with

heart failure, kidney disorders, cirrhosis

of the liver, and premenstrual syndrome,

and to treat hypertension. Side effects

include lethargy, loss of appetite, leg

cramps, dizziness, rash, and impotence.

cyclophosphamideAn anticancer drug

used in the treatment of Hodgkin’s dis-

easeand leukaemia. It is also used as an

immunosuppressant drug and occasion-

ally to treat connective tissue diseases

such as systemic lupus erythematosus.

cycloplegiaParalysisof the ciliary mus-

cle of the eye impeding accommodation.

Cycloplegia may be induced by cyclople-

gic drugs to facilitate eye examinations.

cyclosporinAn alternative spelling for

ciclosporin.

cyclothymiaA personality characteris-

tic typified by marked changes of mood

from cheerful, energetic, and sociable to

gloomy, listless, and withdrawn. Mood

swings may last for days or months and

may follow a regular pattern.

cyproterone acetateA drug that blocks

the action of androgen hormonesand is

used in the treatment of cancer of the

prostate (see prostate, cancer of) and oc-

casionally to reduce male sex drive. Side

effects include weight gain and an in-

creased risk of developing of blood clots.

cystAn abnormal and usually harmless

lump or swelling, filled with fluid or

semi-solid material. Cysts occur in body

organs or tissue. Types of cysts include

sebaceous cysts, dermoid cysts, ovarian

CUSP, DENTAL CYST

C

Free
edge

Nail matrix

Bone

Skin

CROSS SECTION OF FINGERTIP

Nail plate

CUTICLE

Nail
bed

Cuticle