| oral cancer | Cancer within the mouth. Please see MedicineNet site on ral cancer for more information. (12 Dec 1998) |
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| oral candidiasis | <gastroenterology, microbiology, oncology> Infection with a fungus of the genus Candida. It is usually a superficial infection of the moist cutaneous areas of the body and is generally caused by Candida albicans, it most commonly involves the skin (dermatocandidiasis), oral mucous membranes (oral candidiasis), respiratory tract (bronchocandidiasis) and vagina (vaginal candidiasis or thrush). Rarely there is a systemic infection or endocarditis. Oral candidiasis: describes a fungal (yeast) infection of the oral cavity due to Candida. It is common in infants, diabetics or those on chemotherapy and is well recognised in patients with HIV infection and AIDS. Oesophageal candidiasis: Infection of the oesophagus by the yeast-like fungus Candidal albicans. Usually occurs in the immunocompromised individual (AIDS or following chemotherapy). Oral candidiasis is a predisposing factor but oesophageal involvement can occur without evidence of infection in the oral cavity. Symptoms include difficulty swallowing, pain on swallowing and oral lesions. Diagnosis is made using endoscopy. Treatment is with antifungal agents such as ketoconazole or fluconazole. Synonym: moniliasis, candidosis, oidiomycosis, blastodendriosis. (16 Dec 1997) |
| oral cavity | The region consisting of the vestibulum oris, the narrow cleft between the lips and cheeks, and the teeth and gums, and the cavitas oris propria. Synonym: cavitas oris, cavum oris, mouth. (05 Mar 2000) |
| oral cavity proper | The space between the dental arches, limited posteriorly by the isthmus of the fauces (palatoglossal arch). Synonym: cavitas oris propria. (05 Mar 2000) |
| oral cholecystogram | <radiology> Dose: 6 x 0.5 gram tablets after evening meal, peak opacification in 14-19 hrs. (13-35% excreted in urine) patient selection: bilirubin less than 5mg% (unless secondary to haemolysis), contraindicated in serious liver disease, relative contraindications in peritonitis, postoperative ileus, acute pancreatitis nonvisualization of gallbladder, cholecytectomy, obstruction of cystic duct, chronic cholecystitis, anomolous position of gall bladder, extrabiliary causes, fasting state, failure to reach absorptive surface of bowel (e.g. Malabsorption), deficiency of bile salts (Crohn disease, surgical resection of TI, liver disease, cholestyramine therapy, abnormal communication between biliary and GI tract) (12 Dec 1998) |
| oral contraceptive | Any orally effective preparation designed to prevent conception. (05 Mar 2000) |
| oral epithelial nevus | An autosomal dominant condition of the oral cavity characterised by soft, white or opalescent, thickened and corrugated folds of mucous membrane; other mucosal sites are occasionally involved simultaneously. Synonym: familial white folded dysplasia, oral epithelial nevus. (05 Mar 2000) |
| oral (erosive) lichen planus | Oral manifestations of lichen planus characterised by white striae (Wickham's striae) of the oral mucous membrane and sometimes associated with ulceration; patients may or may not exhibit a history of cutaneous lichen planus. (05 Mar 2000) |
| oral fissure | The mouth slit; the aperture of the mouth. Synonym: oral fissure. (05 Mar 2000) |
| oral fistula | An abnormal passage within the mouth communicating between two or more anatomical structures. (12 Dec 1998) |
| oral focal mucinosis | An area of myxomatous connective tissue; the mucosal counterpart of cutaneous focal mucinosis. (05 Mar 2000) |
| oral haemorrhage | Bleeding from the blood vessels of the mouth, which may occur as a result of injuries to the mouth, accidents in oral surgery, or diseases of the gums; the term should not be used for the escape of blood from the mouth due to internal injuries. (12 Dec 1998) |
| oral hairy leukoplakia | A whitish lesion that appears on the side of the tongue and inside cheeks. The lesion appears raised, with a ribbed or hairy surface. Oral hairy leukoplakia occurs mainly in people with declining immunity and may be caused by Epstein-Barr virus infection. (11 Jan 1998) |
| oral health | The optimal state of the mouth and normal functioning of the organs of the mouth without evidence of disease. (12 Dec 1998) |
| oral hygiene | The practice of personal hygiene of the mouth. It includes the maintenance of oral cleanliness, tissue tone, and general preservation of oral health. (12 Dec 1998) |