PHARYNGOKERATOSIS Meaning and
Definition
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Pharyngokeratosis is a medical term that refers to the presence of keratinized tissue in the pharynx, which is the part of the throat located behind the mouth and nasal cavity. It is a condition characterized by the formation of keratin, a tough and fibrous protein, in the epithelial cells lining the pharynx. Usually, the pharyngeal mucosa, which is the normal lining of the throat, is composed of non-keratinized tissue.
The development of pharyngokeratosis may be associated with various factors, including chronic irritation or inflammation of the pharyngeal mucosa. This can result from habitual smoking, exposure to certain chemotherapy drugs or radiation therapy, chronic acid reflux, or underlying conditions such as achalasia or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). In some cases, it may also be a manifestation of a rare genetic disorder known as pachyonychia congenita.
Individuals with pharyngokeratosis may experience symptoms such as a persistent sore throat, difficulty swallowing, hoarseness, or the sensation of a foreign body in the throat. Diagnosis is typically made through a thorough examination of the throat, which may include a visual inspection and, in some cases, a biopsy of the affected tissue.
Treatment for pharyngokeratosis focuses on addressing the underlying cause and relieving symptoms. This may involve lifestyle modifications, such as quitting smoking or managing acid reflux, as well as medications to reduce inflammation or discomfort. In some situations, surgical intervention may be necessary to remove or treat the keratinized tissue. Regular monitoring is essential to ensure proper management of the condition and to detect any potential complications.
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A thickening of the lining of the lymphoid follicles of the pharynx, with the formation of a tough, firmly adherent, pseudomembranous exudate.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for PHARYNGOKERATOSIS
- pharyngokeratosiq
- pharyngokeratosir
- pharyngokeratwosis
- ph aryngokeratosis
- pha ryngokeratosis
- phar yngokeratosis
- phary ngokeratosis
- pharyn gokeratosis
- pharyng okeratosis
- pharyngo keratosis
- pharyngok eratosis
- pharyngoke ratosis
- pharyngoker atosis
- pharyngokera tosis
- pharyngokerat osis
- pharyngokerato sis
- pharyngokeratos is
- pharyngokeratosi s
Etymology of PHARYNGOKERATOSIS
The word "pharyngokeratosis" is derived from the combination of three roots:
1. Pharynx: The word pharynx comes from the Ancient Greek word "pharúgx" which means "throat" or "windpipe". The pharynx refers to the cavity situated behind the nasal cavity, oral cavity, and larynx, connecting them to the esophagus.
2. Keratosis: The term keratosis is derived from the Greek word "kerat-, keras" which means "horn" or "horny". It refers to the abnormal thickening and hardening of the skin or mucous membranes caused by the overgrowth of keratinocytes, which are cells that produce the protein keratin.
3. The suffix "-osis": The suffix "-osis" is commonly used in medical terminology to indicate a condition, state, or process, often referring to a disease or disorder.
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