How Do You Spell ACANTHOSIS NIGRICANS?

Pronunciation: [ɐkanθˈə͡ʊsɪs nˈɪɡɹɪkənz] (IPA)

Acanthosis Nigricans is a skin condition characterized by thick and darkened patches of skin, typically developing around the neck, armpits, and groin. In terms of pronunciation, "Acanthosis" is pronounced as /əˌkænˈθoʊsɪs/ and "Nigricans" is pronounced as /naɪˈɡrɪkənz/. The word's spelling is a bit tricky since it contains a silent "h" in "Acanthosis" and another silent "c" in "Nigricans". However, once you become familiar with the IPA phonetic transcription, it makes it easier to understand and pronounce the word.

ACANTHOSIS NIGRICANS Meaning and Definition

1. Acanthosis nigricans is a dermatological condition characterized by the presence of dark, thickened patches of skin with a velvety texture, typically appearing in the folds and creases of the body. The affected areas commonly include the back of the neck, armpits, groin, and sometimes the face, hands, and knuckles. Acanthosis nigricans may appear as a symptom of an underlying medical condition or as an isolated condition without any associated health problems.

   The condition occurs as a result of the increased production of melanocytes, the cells responsible for skin pigmentation, and the excessive growth of skin cells. It is frequently associated with insulin resistance, a condition in which the body's cells do not respond properly to insulin, leading to elevated blood sugar levels. Therefore, acanthosis nigricans is often seen in individuals with obesity or those diagnosed with type 2 diabetes.

   In addition to diabetes and obesity, acanthosis nigricans can be caused by certain hormonal disorders, such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) or disorders affecting the adrenal glands or pituitary gland. Rarely, it may also be a sign of an underlying malignant tumor. Acanthosis nigricans can be diagnosed through physical examination, along with blood tests and other investigations to identify potential underlying causes.

   While acanthosis nigricans does not typically cause physical discomfort or health complications, it is often seen as an indication of an underlying condition that requires medical attention. Therefore, treatment primarily focuses on managing the associated medical condition, such as improving blood sugar control in diabetes or implementing lifestyle changes to address obesity. In some cases, medications or topical agents may be recommended to help lighten the affected skin areas.

2. Keratosis nigricans, hypertrophy with pigmentation of the papillae of the skin, seen in malignant disease of the abdominal organs.

   A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.

Common Misspellings for ACANTHOSIS NIGRICANS

• zcanthosis nigricans
• scanthosis nigricans
• wcanthosis nigricans
• qcanthosis nigricans
• axanthosis nigricans
• avanthosis nigricans
• afanthosis nigricans
• adanthosis nigricans
• acznthosis nigricans
• acsnthosis nigricans
• acwnthosis nigricans
• acqnthosis nigricans
• acabthosis nigricans
• acamthosis nigricans
• acajthosis nigricans
• acahthosis nigricans
• acanrhosis nigricans
• acanfhosis nigricans
• acanghosis nigricans

Etymology of ACANTHOSIS NIGRICANS

The term "Acanthosis Nigricans" comes from two Greek words: "acanthosis" and "nigricans".

1. "Acanthosis" is derived from the Greek word "akantha", meaning "spine" or "thorn". It refers to the thickening of the skin due to increased production of skin cells (hyperkeratosis) and elongation of the rete ridges.

2. "Nigricans" is derived from the Latin word "nigricare", meaning "to become black". It refers to the characteristic darkening or hyperpigmentation of the affected areas.

Together, "Acanthosis Nigricans" describes a skin condition characterized by thickening and darkening of the skin, typically found in body folds like the neck, armpit, and groin.