American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC) Practice Exam

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What is the medical term for a skin infection caused by a fungus?

Tinea
Jaundice
Melanoma
Intramural

The correct answer is: Tinea

The term "tinea" refers to a group of fungal infections that affect the skin, hair, and nails. Commonly known as ringworm, tinea is caused by various types of fungi, including dermatophytes, which thrive on keratin in the skin. In medical terminology, tinea is often followed by a qualifier that specifies the location of the infection, such as tinea corporis (body), tinea pedis (athlete's foot), or tinea capitis (scalp). This specificity is important for proper diagnosis and treatment. Other terms listed are unrelated to fungal skin infections. Jaundice is a condition characterized by yellowing of the skin and eyes due to an increase in bilirubin, often related to liver function. Melanoma is a type of skin cancer that arises from melanocytes and involves malignant transformations, which is distinct from an infectious process. Intramural pertains to structures within a wall, often used in the context of anatomy or lumen of organs, but does not relate to fungal infections at all.