Bma Illustrated Medical Dictionary

For example, mammary duct ectasia is

abnormal widening of the ducts that

carry secretions from the breast tissue

to the nipple.

-ectomyA suffix that denotes surgical

removal. For example, tonsillectomy is

surgical removal of the tonsils.

ectoparasiteA parasitethat lives in or

on its host’s skin and derives nourish-

ment from the skin or by sucking the

host’s blood. Various lice, ticks, mites,

and some types of fungiare occasional

ectoparasites of humans.

ectopicA term used to describe a body

structure that occurs in an abnormal

location or position, or a body function

that occurs at an abnormal time.

ectopic heartbeatA contraction of the

heart muscle that is out of normal tim-

ing. An ectopic heartbeatoccurs shortly

after a normal beat and is followed by a

longer than usual interval before the

next one.

Ectopic beats can occur in a heart that

is otherwise normal and may cause no

symptoms. Multiple ectopic beats can

cause palpitations. After a myocardial

infarction, multiple ectopic beats are a

sign of damaged heart muscle. Multiple

ectopic beats may lead to ventricular

fibrillation, a rapid uncoordinated heart-

beat that may be fatal.

Multiple ectopic beats that are caus-

ing palpitations, or that occur after a

myocardial infarction, are often treated

with an antiarrhythmic drug. (See also

arrhythmia, cardiac.)

ectopic pregnancyA pregnancythat

develops outside the uterus, most com-

monly in the fallopian tube, but some-

times in the ovaryor in the abdominal

cavity or cervix. As the pregnancy devel-

ops, it may damage surrounding tissue,

causing serious bleeding, which is

potentially life-threatening and requires

emergency treatment.

Ectopic pregnancy is more common in

women who have had previous pelvic

infections (see pelvic inflammatory dis-

ease) and with some types ofIUDand

progestogen-only oral contraceptives.

Most ectopic pregnancies are discov-

ered in the first 2 months, often before

the woman realizes she is pregnant.

Symptoms usually include severe pain

in the lower abdomen and vaginal

bleeding. Internal bleeding may cause

symptoms of shock, such as pallor,

sweating, and faintness.

Diagnosis is made by a transvaginal

ultrasoundexamination and can be con-

firmed by ectopic laparoscopy. If the

diagnosis is made early, medical treat-

ment using the drug methotrexatemay

be considered. In most cases, surgery,

usuallyminimally invasive surgery, to

remove the pregnancy is carried out. If

blood loss is severe, blood transfusions

are needed. An affected fallopian tube

is removed if it cannot be repaired.

ectropionA turning outwards of the

eyelidso that the inner surface is ex-

posed. Ectropion is most common in

elderly people, in whom it usually

affects the lower lid and is due to weak-

ness of the muscle surrounding the eye.

The condition may also be caused by

the contraction of scar tissue in the skin

near either lid. Ectropion often follows

facial palsy, which causes paralysis of

the muscles around the eye. Even slight

ectropion interferes with the normal

drainage of tears, which may lead to

conjunctivitis. Surgery to tighten the lid

may be needed.

eczemaAn inflammation of the skin,

usually causing itching and sometimes

scaling or blisters. There are several dif-

ferent types of eczema; some forms are

known as dermatitis.

-ECTOMY ECZEMA

E

Ovary

LOCATION

Uterus

Developing

embryo

ECTOPIC PREGNANCY

Fallopian

tube