Dictionary

stage of dilation See first stage of labor.

stage of expulsion See second stage of labor.

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 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…

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

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

Stage IV Cancer cells are found throughout the organ or area and in nearby lymph nodes and/or have spread to other parts of the body.

staph See staphylococcus.

staph infection See staphylococcal infection.

staphylococcal infection Infection with one of the staphylococcus bacteria. Staphylococcal infection can cause pus-filled abscesses on the skin or internal organs and can migrate through the blood to infect the heart, meninges, and other areas. Treatment involves use of antibiotics and drainage of abscesses, as necessary. Also known as staph infection. See also staphylococcal scalded…

staphylococcal scalded skin syndrome An infection of the skin with group II Staphylococcus aureus bacteria. The bacteria release toxins, causing inflamed, scaling skin that looks as though it has been burned. Abbreviated SSSS. SSSS is more common in children than in adults, but it is more likely to cause death when it does occur in…

staphylococcus A group of bacteria that cause a multitude of diseases. Under a microscope, staphylococcus bacteria are round and bunched together. They can cause illness directly by infection or indirectly through products they make, such as the toxins responsible for food poisoning and toxic shock syndrome. The best-known member of the staphylococcus family is Staphylococcus…