Dictionary

suppurative arthritis See arthritis, septic.

supportive care Treatment given to prevent, control, or relieve complications and side effects and to improve the patient’s comfort and quality of life.

supinator foot type A type of foot that restricts the impact of the stride largely to the outer edges of the foot. This type of foot often has a very high, rigid arch.

supertaster A person who has an unusually large density of taste buds, each surrounded by pain fibers. As a result, the person has an exquisite ability to taste accurately.

supernumerary placenta See placenta, accessory.

supernumerary Beyond the normal number, extra. For example, a supernumerary chromosome is an extra one beyond the usual number of 46, and a supernumerary digit is an extra finger or toe.

superior vena cava syndrome A condition in which the large vein that carries blood down to the heart (superior vena cava) is compressed. This compression may be caused by disease of any of the structures or lymph nodes surrounding this vein. Superior vena cava syndrome is characterized by swelling of the face, neck, and/or arms,…

superficial spreading melanoma See melanoma, superficial spreading.

superaspirin See cox-2 inhibitor.

sunscreen A substance that blocks the effect of the sun’s harmful rays. Using lotions that contain sunscreen can reduce the risk of skin cancer, including melanoma. See also ultraviolet radiation.

sun protection factor A measurement of a sunscreen’s potency, expressed on a scale from two upward. Abbreviated SPF. Sunscreens with an SPF of 15 or higher provide the best protection from the sun’s harmful rays. See also ultraviolet radiation.

summer cold See hay fever.