Bma Illustrated Medical Dictionary

otoscopeAn instrument, also called an

auroscope, for examining the outer-ear

canal and the eardrum. An otoscope

illuminates and magnifies the inside of

the ear. Otoscopy (examination using

an otoscope) is performed to detect

physical abnormalities such as inflam-

mation or pus in the outer-ear canal

(see otitis externa) and distortion or

rupture of the eardrum.

ototoxicityToxic damage to the struc-

tures of the inner ear. High doses of

certain drugs (such as aminoglycoside

antibiotics) may cause this type of ear

damage, resulting in impaired hearing

and balance.

out-of-body experienceA feeling of

leaving one’s body and observing oneself

from another dimension. The experi-

ence, which is thought to be due to

disturbance of brain function, is report-

ed by some patients following a general

anaesthetic or a medical emergency.

outpatient treatmentMedical care on

a same-day basis in a hospital or clinic.

ovarian cystAn abnormal, fluid-filled

swelling in an ovary. Ovarian cysts are

common and, in most cases, noncancer-

ous.The most common type, a follicular

cyst, is one in which the egg-producing

follicle enlarges and fills with fluid.

Cysts may also occur in the corpus

luteum, a mass of tissue that forms from

the follicle after ovulation. Other types

include dermoid cystsand cancerous

cysts (see ovary, cancer of).

Ovarian cysts are often symptomless,

but some cause abdominal discomfort,

pain during intercourse, or irregularities

of menstruation such as amenorrhoea,

menorrhagia, or dysmenorrhoea. Severe

abdominal pain, nausea, and fever may

develop if twisting or rupture of a cyst

occurs. This condition requires surgery.

An ovarian cyst may be discovered

during a routine pelvic examinationand

its position and size confirmed by ultra-

sound or laparoscopy. In many cases,

simple ovarian cysts – thin-walled or

fluid-filled cysts – resolve themselves.

However, complex cysts (such as der-

moid cysts) usually require surgical

removal. If an ovarian cyst is particu-

larly large, the ovary may need to be

removed (see oophorectomy).

ovaryOne of a pair of almond-shaped

glands situated on either side of the

uterusimmediately below the opening

of the fallopian tubes. Each ovary con-

tains numerous cavities called follicles,

in which egg cells (see ovum) develop.

The ovaries also produce the female sex

hormones oestrogenand progesterone.

ovary, cancer ofA malignant growth of

the ovary. The cancer may be either pri-

mary (arising in the ovary) or secondary

(due to the spread of cancer from

another part of the body). Ovarian cancer

can occur at any age but is most com-

mon after 50 and in women who have

never had children. A family history of

cancer of the ovary, breast, or colon,

especially in close relatives under 50, is

an important risk factor. Taking oral con-

traceptivesreduces the risk.

In most cases, ovarian cancer causes

no symptoms until it is widespread. The

first symptoms may include vague dis-

comfort and swelling in the abdomen;

nausea and vomiting; abnormal vaginal

bleeding; and ascites.

If ovarian cancer is suspected, a doc-

tor will carry out a physical examination

to detect any swellings in the pelvis. A

laparoscopywill usually be performed

to confirm the diagnosis.

OTOSCOPE OVARY, CANCER OF

O

OVARY

Uterus

Ovary

Fallopian tube

LOCATION

STRUCTURE OF AN OVARY

Ligament

Mature egg follicle

Egg

Immature

egg follicle

Blood vessel

Empty follicle