Dictionary

Stage III Cancer cells are found in even deeper tissues and have spread to nearby lymph nodes or other nearby areas.

Stage II Cancer cells are found in the deeper tissues of the organ or area and have spread.

Stage I cancer is an early stage of cancer development. At this point, cancer cells are found only on the surface of the affected organ or area. They have not yet invaded deeper tissues, nearby structures, lymph nodes, or spread to other parts of the body. Because the cancer is localized and confined to its…

staging Doing exams and tests to learn the extent of a cancer, especially whether it has spread from its original site to other parts of the body. The following stage numbers are typically used in staging:

stage of expulsion See second stage of labor.

stage of dilation See first stage of labor.

stage 1 A distinct phase in the course of a disease (or any biological process). 2 The extent of a cancer, and especially whether the disease has spread from the original site to other parts of the body. See also staging.

St. John’s wort A flowering plant, Hypericum perforatum, also known as Perforate St. John’s wort, that has long been believed to have medicinal qualities. There is some evidence that St. John’s wort may be useful in diminishing depression, but it is not a proven remedy for depression. Sun sensitivity, fatigue, stomach upset, and allergic reactions…

St. Anthony’s fire One of several conditions characterized by intense inflammation of the skin, such as from erysipelas or ergotism. Erysipelas is a type of spreading hot, bright-red strep skin infection. Ergotism is an intensely painful burning sensation in the limbs and extremities caused by ergotamines from a fungus (Claviceps purpurea) that can contaminate rye…

SSRI Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor, one of a family of antidepressant medications (brand names: Celexa, Luvox, Paxil, Prozac, Zoloft) that affect the neurotransmitter serotonin.

SSPE Subacute sclerosing panencephalitis.

squamous intraepithelial lesion An abnormal growth of the squamous cells that normally are found on the uterine cervix. Abbreviated SIL. The changes are described as low grade (LGSIL) or high grade (HGSIL), depending upon how abnormal the cells look. Squamous intraepithelial lesions can be a precursor of cervical cancer; treatment of high grade SIL is…