Angiokeratoma is a medical term that refers to a benign skin tumor. The word is spelled as /ændʒiɔːkəˈrætəmə/. The spelling of angiokeratoma can be broken down by IPA phonetic transcription where /ændʒi/ refers to the "an" sound, /ɔː/ refers to the "o" sound, /kə/ refers to the "co" and /ˈrætəmə/ refers to the "ratoma," with the emphasis on the "ra". This complex spelling can be challenging for general readers, but it is essential for medical professionals to use such technical language for precision and clarity.
Angiokeratoma refers to a benign skin condition characterized by the presence of small, dark red to bluish-black papules or nodules on the skin's surface. These lesions are a result of dilated blood vessels (angioma) and an overgrowth of keratinocytes (keratoma) in the affected areas.
Angiokeratomas can occur anywhere on the body but are commonly found on the lower extremities, particularly the thighs and lower legs. They can also appear on the scrotum in males or vulva in females, and occasionally on the trunk, buttocks, or upper extremities. The lesions typically range in size from 1-6 millimeters.
These skin growths are usually asymptomatic but may cause discomfort, itching, or pain when rubbed or scratched. These symptoms are often associated with physical activity, excessive heat, or friction. In some cases, minor bleeding may occur due to the fragility of the dilated blood vessels in the angiokeratomas.
The exact cause of angiokeratomas is not well understood, but they are generally considered a benign vascular anomaly. They may occur sporadically or be inherited in an autosomal dominant pattern, such as in the case of Fabry disease. Angiokeratomas can also be associated with other underlying conditions, including kidney and heart diseases.
While angiokeratomas are typically harmless and do not require treatment, individuals who experience symptoms or are concerned about their appearance may seek medical intervention. Treatment options may include cryotherapy (freezing), laser therapy, electrodessication (burning), or surgical excision.
A wart-like outgrowth of the horny layer of the epidermis seated upon a telangiectatic patch.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The word "Angiokeratoma" is derived from Greek roots.
The word "angi(o)" is derived from the Greek word "angeion", meaning "vessel" or "duct". It is often used in medical terms to refer to blood vessels or lymphatic vessels.
The word "keratoma" is derived from the Greek word "keras", meaning "horn" or "hard tissue". It is used in medical terms to refer to abnormal growth or thickening of the skin.
So, "angiokeratoma" combines these two Greek elements to describe a condition characterized by the proliferation of blood vessels and the thickening of the skin.