The correct spelling of the term "post mortem wart" is often a challenge for those unfamiliar with medical terminology. The word "post mortem" is pronounced /ˌpoʊst ˈmɔːrdəm/ and refers to an examination of a body after death. "Wart" is pronounced /wɔːrt/ and refers to a small, hard growth on the skin. Put together, "post mortem wart" (or "verruca necrogenica" in Latin) describes a wart that develops on the skin of a deceased person due to the breakdown of tissue.
Post mortem wart, also known as a mortuary wart, is a term used to describe an uncommon phenomenon that occurs in some deceased individuals. It refers to the appearance of wart-like growths on the skin of a cadaver. These warts typically develop on areas of the body that are frequently exposed to friction or pressure, such as the hands, fingers, or feet.
Post mortem warts are believed to be caused by a combination of factors, including the release of gases during decomposition, skin dehydration, and pressure from contact with the surface the body is resting on. These factors contribute to the development of raised, rough, and often reddish or brownish nodules or growths on the skin.
It is important to note that post mortem warts are not contagious nor do they pose any health risks to those handling the deceased. They are a natural occurrence that can be observed during autopsies or when preparing a body for burial or cremation.
Post mortem warts typically disappear within a few days or weeks after death, as the body continues to decompose and the skin undergoes natural changes. However, if the warts persist or show signs of infection, it is advisable to consult a medical professional to rule out any other underlying conditions.
Overall, post mortem warts are a temporary and benign phenomenon associated with the postmortem phase of a body's decomposition process.
• Verruca necrogenica, lupus verrucosus.
• Anatomical tubercle, dissecting tubercle, a warty growth on the hands of one making frequent post-mortem examinations or dissections.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.