Medical Terms

Cleft lip & cleft palate (orofacial cleft) congential defect, causes feeding problems, danger of aspirating food, & results in speech defects. TREATMENT: surgical repair

Ulceration canker sore-caused by herpes simplex virus. ulceration of the oral mucosa. Also known as Aphthous ulcer (aphtha: small ulcer) Aphthous stomatitis. Heals spontaneously.

Canidida this is naturally found in the mouth. Thrush (oral candidiasis) is overarching infection. Causes: antibotic regimen, chemotherapy, glucocorticoids. Common in diabetics and Aids patients. Treatment- Nystatin(tropical fungal agent)

Herpes simplex type 1 Herpetic stomatitis, viral cold sores and blisters. Associated with herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) Treatment, NO CURE. Maybe alleviated somewhat by antiviral medications.

Cancer of Oral Cavity Most common type is squamous cell carcinoma, Kaposi's sarcoma is type seen in AIDS patients. Increased in smokers. Lip cancer also increased in smokers, particulary pipe. Poor prognosis. Usually asymptomatic until later stages. Metastasis through lymph nodes.

Scleroderma Also known as progressive systemic sclerosis. Atrophy of smooth muscles of the lower esophagus. Lower esophageal sphincter (LES) does not close properly. Leads to esophageal reflux. Strictures form. Predominantly dysphagia.

Esophagitis Inflammation of esophagus. Types, acute- most common type that is caused by hiatal hernia. Infectious esophagitis is common in patients with AIDS. Ingestion of strong alksline or acid substances, such as those found in household cleaners. Inflamation leads to scaring. CHRONIC: Most common type is caused by LES Reflux

Cancer of Esophagus Most common type is squamous cell or secondary adenocarcinoma. Usually caused by continued irritation, smoking, alcohol, hiatal hernia, chronic esophagitis/GERD, poor prognosis.

Hiatal Hernia (diaphragmatic hernia) diaphragm goes over stomach. esophagus passes through diaphragm at natural opening (hiatus), part of the stomach...