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…
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…
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.
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.