Scrofulophyma is a term used in medicine to describe a type of cutaneous tuberculosis. The word is pronounced /skroˌfjuləˈfaɪmə/ and is spelled using the phonetic alphabet IPA. The first syllable, "scrofulo," is derived from the Latin term for "king's evil," while "phyma" is Greek for "a growth." Together, the word describes a specific type of growth or inflammation associated with tuberculosis. The complex spelling of this word can make it difficult to pronounce, even for those in the medical field.
Scrofulophyma is a medical term that refers to a specific growth or swelling in the neck, typically caused by chronic tuberculosis infection. It is derived from the combination of two words - "scrofula" and "phyma."
Scrofula is a chronic, infectious disease commonly caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis or related mycobacteria. It primarily affects the lymph nodes in the neck region, leading to the development of inflammation, abscesses, and ultimately, the formation of nodules or lumps. Phyma, on the other hand, broadly refers to a swelling or enlargement of tissues.
In the context of scrofulophyma, the term specifically describes a substantial swelling in the neck that results from tuberculosis infection. It is characterized by the thickening and hardening of tissues due to chronic inflammation and the progressive enlargement of lymph nodes. As scrofulophyma advances, it can lead to the formation of disfiguring, often ulcerated masses in the neck area, which can be physically and psychologically debilitating for the affected individual.
Historically, scrofulophyma was commonly associated with tuberculosis and was sometimes referred to as "King's Evil" due to its once-believed curative properties in the presence of a king. However, with the advent of effective anti-tuberculosis medications, the incidence of scrofulophyma has significantly decreased. In modern times, scrofulophyma is a relatively uncommon condition, especially in areas with proper access to healthcare and tuberculosis management.
Verrucous scrofuloderm.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The word "scrofulophyma" has its roots in two terms: "scrofula" and "phyma".
1. "Scrofula": The term "scrofula" originated from the Latin word "scrofulae", which means "swelling of the neck glands". It was used to describe a form of tuberculosis affecting the lymph nodes in the neck, specifically the cervical lymph nodes. It was a common condition in the past, particularly in children, and was associated with poor living conditions and malnutrition.
2. "Phyma": The term "phyma" comes from the Greek word "phyma", which means "growth" or "tumor". It is often used in medical terminology to refer to localized swellings or nodular formations.