Medical Terminology Simplified

Benign neoplasm in the uterus that is composed largely of fibrous tissue; also called

leiomyoma

Uterine fibroids are the most common tumors in women. If fibroids grow too large and

cause such symptoms as pelvic pain or menorrhagia, hysterectomy may be indicated.

Potentially life-threatening disorder that usually develops after the 20th week of

pregnancy and is characterized by edema and proteinuria

Gestational hypertension may occur in nonconvulsive or convulsive forms.

Nonconvulsive form of gestational hypertension that, if left untreated, may progress

to eclampsia

Treatment includes bedrest and blood pressure monitoring.

Convulsive form of gestational hypertension that is a medical emergency and life-

threatening to the mother and/or baby

Treatment includes bedrest, blood pressure monitoring, and antiseizure drugs.

White discharge from the vagina

A greater than usual amount of leukorrhea is normal in pregnancy, and a decrease is to

be expected after delivery, during lactation, and after menopause. Leukorrhea is the most

common reason women seek gynecological care.

368 CHAPTER 8• Reproductive Systems

Scar on

abdominal wall

Anterior cul-de-sac
and bladder

Umbilicus

Ovary

Uterine wall

Vulva

Perineum

Pelvic colon

Posterior

cul-de-sac

Rectovaginal

septum

Posterior surface of uterus

and uterosacral ligaments

Figure 8-15Endometriosis.

fibroid

FĪ-broyd

fibr: fiber, fibrous

tissue

-oids: resembling

gestational hypertension

jĕs-TĀ-shŭn-ăl hī-pĕr-

TĔN-shŭn

preeclampsia

prē-ē-KLĂMP-sē-ă

eclampsia

ē-KLĂMP-sē-ă

leukorrhea

loo-kō-RĒ-ă

leuk/o: white

-rrhea: discharge, flow