Etymed

keratosis

kerat/o -osis

Definition

An abnormal condition characterized by excessive growth of horny (keratinized) tissue of the skin

Clinical context

A 65-year-old patient presents with progressive visual impairment and photophobia in the right eye. On examination, the cornea shows multiple white, waxy lesions with surrounding vascularization. The patient has a history of chronic sun exposure. A biopsy reveals abnormal keratinization of the corneal epithelium with hyperplasia of the superficial layers.

Mnemonic

Keratosis = Keratin + osis (abnormal condition) - Think 'Keratin' in the skin/eye = Hyperkeratosis

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