INDURATED CHANCRE Meaning and
Definition
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An indurated chancre is a term used in medical and clinical settings to describe a specific manifestation or symptom associated with syphilis, particularly during its early stage. The term itself consists of two components: "indurated" and "chancre."
Indurated refers to the hardening or firming of tissues. In the context of syphilis, it signifies the local hardening or thickening of the skin or mucous membranes, typically around the site of initial infection. This hardening is caused by the proliferation and infiltration of immune cells and connective tissue elements in response to the infection.
A chancre, on the other hand, refers to a painless ulcer or sore that appears at the site of primary syphilitic infection. It is the initial sign of infection and develops following the entrance of Treponema pallidum, the bacterium responsible for syphilis, into the body through sexual contact or other means.
Therefore, when combined, an indurated chancre refers specifically to a hardened sore or ulcer that is characteristic of primary syphilis. The induration of the chancre distinguishes it from other types of ulcers, as it is firm and non-tender to the touch. It is typically located on or near the genitals, anus, mouth, or other areas involved in sexual contact.
Identifying an indurated chancre is crucial for diagnosing early-stage syphilis, as it serves as a primary clinical manifestation. Prompt recognition and subsequent treatment are essential for preventing the progression of syphilis and its potential long-term complications.
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A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for INDURATED CHANCRE
- undurated chancre
- jndurated chancre
- kndurated chancre
- ondurated chancre
- 9ndurated chancre
- 8ndurated chancre
- ibdurated chancre
- imdurated chancre
- ijdurated chancre
- ihdurated chancre
- insurated chancre
- inxurated chancre
- incurated chancre
- infurated chancre
- inrurated chancre
- ineurated chancre
- indyrated chancre
- indhrated chancre
- indjrated chancre
- indirated chancre
Etymology of INDURATED CHANCRE
The term "indurated chancre" has its etymological roots in both Latin and Greek.
The word "indurated" is derived from the Latin word "indūrāre" which means "to harden" or "to make hard". It is composed of the prefix "in-" indicating "into" or "toward" combined with the verb "dūrus" meaning "hard".
The term "chancre" originates from the Greek word "khánkrēs" which means "cancer" or "crab". It was used to describe the hard ulcerated sore characteristic of several diseases, including syphilis.
Therefore, the combination of "indurated" and "chancre" in the term "indurated chancre" refers to a specific type of hardened ulcer or sore typically associated with the primary stage of syphilis.
