Continuum
Continuum (medicine)
Continuum (pronounced: /kənˈtɪn.ju.əm/) is a term used in various fields of medicine to describe a continuous sequence or progression of states or events. The term is derived from the Latin word 'continuus', meaning 'uninterrupted'.
In Medicine
In the field of medicine, a continuum often refers to the progression of a disease or condition over time. This can include the stages of a disease, the progression of symptoms, or the range of treatment options available at different points in the disease process.
For example, in oncology, the cancer continuum refers to the progression of a cancer from its earliest stages to its most advanced. This can include the initial mutation that leads to the growth of a tumor, the spread of the cancer cells to other parts of the body (metastasis), and the response to treatment.
In psychiatry, the term is often used to describe the spectrum of mental health conditions, from mild to severe. This can include the progression from subclinical symptoms to a full-blown mental disorder, or the range of treatment options available at different points in the disease process.
Related Terms
- Disease progression: The course a disease takes in an individual over time.
- Spectrum (medicine): A range of related conditions or variations between two extremes.
- Staging (medicine): The process of determining the extent of a disease in a patient.
- Treatment pathway: A plan that details the steps in the care of a patient with a specific condition or under certain circumstances.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Continuum
- Wikipedia's article - Continuum
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