Bma Illustrated Medical Dictionary

the menopause, it is usually a blood-
stained vaginal discharge. Diagnosis is
made by hysteroscopyor biopsy.
Very early endometrial cancer is usu-
ally treated by hysterectomyand removal
of the fallopian tubes and ovaries. If the
cancer has spread, radiotherapyand anti-
cancer drug treatment may also be used.
uterus, prolapse ofA condition in which
the uterusdescends from its normal
position into the vagina. The degree of
prolapse varies from 1st-degree prolapse,
in which there is only slight displacement
of the uterus, to 3rd-degree prolapse
(procidentia), in which the uterus can be
seen outside the vulva.
Stretching of the ligaments supporting
the uterus (during childbirth, for exam-
ple) is the most common cause. Prolapse
is aggravated by obesity.
There are often no symptoms, but
sometimes there is a dragging feeling
in the pelvis. Diagnosis is made by
physical examination.
Pelvic floor exercisesstrengthen the
muscles of the vagina and thus reduce
the risk of a prolapse, especially follow-
ing childbirth. Treatment usually involves
surgery (hysterectomy). Rarely, if surgery
is not wanted or is not recommended, a
plastic ring-shaped pessary may be
inserted into the vagina to hold the
uterus in position. (See also cystocele;
rectocele; urethrocele.)
uterus, retrovertedA normal variation
in which the uterus inclines backwards
rather than forwards. A retroverted uterus
rarely causes problems unless it is com-
bined with a pelvic infection.

uveaPart of the eye, comprising the iris,

the ciliary bodyand its muscle that

focuses the lens, and the choroid.

uveitisInflammation of the uvea, which

may seriously affect vision. Uveitis may

affect any part of the uvea, including the

iris(when it is called iritis), the 0 (when

it is known as cyclitis), or the choroid

(when it is called choroiditis).The most

common cause is an autoimmune disor-

der. Other causes include infections

such as tuberculosisand syphilis. Treat-

ment is with corticosteroid drugsand

eye-drops containing an atropine-relat-

ed substance. The inflammation is

monitored with a slit-lamp. Various

other drugs may be prescribed if the

cause is an infection.

uvulaThe small, fleshy protuberance

that hangs from the middle of the lower

edge of the soft palate.

UTERUS, PROLAPSE OF UVULA

U

UTERUS, RETROVERTED

Bladder Retroverted
uterus

Usual position

of uterus