Dictionary

sclerosis Localized hardening of skin. Sclerosis is generally caused by underlying diseases, such as diabetes and scleroderma. Treatment is directed toward the cause.

sclerotherapy The injection of a chemical irritant into a vein to sclerose (“harden”) it. The chemical irritates the lining of the vein, causing it to swell and the blood to clot. The vein turns into scar tissue that fades from view. Blood flow shifts to nearby healthy blood vessels. Sclerotherapy may be done to treat…

scoliosis Lateral (sideways) curving of the spine. The degree of scoliosis may range from mild to severe. Of every 1,000 children, 3 to 5 develop spinal curvature that is considered severe enough to need treatment. Adolescent idiopathic (of unknown cause) scoliosis is the most common type and appears after the age of 10, commonly in…

scoliosis, acquired Lateral (sideways) curving of the spine that is neither present at birth nor results from a condition that is present at birth.

scoliosis, congenital Lateral (sideways) curving of the spine that is present at birth or is due to a condition that is present at birth. The condition may, for example, be a neuromuscular abnormality or be due to a malformation of the vertebral column.

scoliosis, functional Lateral (sideways) curving in a structurally normal spine. For example, functional scoliosis can be caused by pain on one side of the back that results in splinting. Also known as nonstructural scoliosis. See also scoliosis, structural.

scoliosis, idiopathic Lateral (sideways) curving of the spine whose cause is unknown.

scoliosis, structural A fixed lateral (sideways) curve of the spine. The causes of structural scoliosis include cerebral palsy, polio, muscular dystrophy, Marfan syndrome, infections of the spine, and tumors of the spine. Structural scoliosis is different from functional scoliosis, in which the spine appears to have a lateral curve (scoliosis) but is structurally normal.

scrape An abrasion or cut that is caused by something rubbing roughly against the skin. Redness, swelling, increased pain, and pus indicate infection that requires professional care.

scratch test for allergy See allergy skin test.

scrofula Tuberculosis of the lymph nodes in the neck. Also known in the past as the King’s evil. See also tuberculosis.

scrotum The pouch of skin that contains the testes, epididymides, and lower portions of the spermatic cords.