stem cell harvest, peripheral blood A technique for obtaining stem cells from the patient’s blood for use in bone marrow transplantation. The stem cells are lured out of the bone marrow with a special regimen of drugs. The blood is then filtered through a machine, and the stem cells are skimmed off. They can be…
stem cell transplantation The use of stem cells as a treatment for cancer or other illness. The stem cells are removed (or obtained from a donor) first. Before the transplant is done, the patient receives high-dose chemotherapy and/or radiation therapy to destroy diseased cells. Then the stem cells are returned to the patient, where they…
stenosis A narrowing. For example, aortic stenosis is a narrowing of the aortic valve in the heart.
stent A tube designed to be inserted into a vessel or passageway to keep it open. Stents are inserted into narrowed coronary arteries to help keep them open after balloon angioplasty. The stent then allows the normal flow of blood and oxygen to the heart. Stents placed in narrowed carotid arteries (the vessels in the…
stereotactic Referring to precise positioning in three-dimensional space. For example, biopsies, surgery, or radiation therapy can be done stereotactically.
stereotactic surgery Surgery in which a system of three-dimensional coordinates is used to locate the site to be operated on.
stereotaxis Use of a computer and scanning devices to create three-dimensional pictures. Stereotaxis can be used to direct a biopsy, external radiation, or the insertion of radiation implants.
sternotomy A surgical incision made through the breastbone (sternum), for example, as performed for access to the heart during surgery.
squamous cell One type of epithelial, or lining, cell that has a flat appearance resembling a fish scale when viewed microscopically. Squamous cells make up most of the outer layer of the skin (epidermis). They are also found in the oral cavity, espohagus, vagina, and uterine cervix.
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…
SSPE Subacute sclerosing panencephalitis.
SSRI Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor, one of a family of antidepressant medications (brand names: Celexa, Luvox, Paxil, Prozac, Zoloft) that affect the neurotransmitter serotonin.