Skilled Nursing Facility (SNF)Often called a "SNF." A SNF provides medical care under the supervision of a medical professional or technician, and dispenses medications, performs…
Skilled Nursing Facility CareSkilled nursing care and rehabilitation services provided on a continuous, daily basis in a skilled nursing facility.
skin cancer(skin KAN-ser) Cancer that forms in tissues of the skin. There are several types of skin cancer.
skin conduction(... kon-DUK-shun) A change in the heat and electricity passed through the skin by nerves and sweat.
skin graftSkin that is moved from one part of the body to another.
skin patchA bandage-like patch that releases medicine into the body through the skin. The medicine enters the blood slowly and steadily.
skin stimulationThe process of applying pressure, friction, temperature change, or chemical substances to the skin to lessen or block a feeling of pain.
skin testA test for an immune response to a compound by placing it on or under the skin.
skinning vulvectomy(SKIH-ning vul-VEK-toh-mee) Surgery to remove the top layer of skin of the vulva (the external female genital organs, including the clitoris, vaginal…
SL-11047A substance that is being studied in the treatment of lymphoma. It belongs to the family of drugs called polyamine analogs.
SLEA chronic, inflammatory, connective tissue disease that can affect many organs including the joints, skin, heart, lungs, kidneys, and nervous system.
sleep apnea(⦠AP-nee-uh) A sleep disorder that is marked by pauses in breathing of 10 seconds or more during sleep, and causes unrestful sleep.
sleep disorder(sleep dis-OR-der) A disturbance of normal sleep patterns. There are a number of sleep disorders that range from trouble falling asleep, to nightmares…
sleep stageOne of 5 parts or stages of the sleep cycle based on the type of brain activity that occurs during the stage.
sleeve lobectomy(...loh-BEK-toh-mee) Surgery to remove a lung tumor in a lobe of the lung and a part of the main bronchus (airway).
sleeve resection(...ree-SEK-shun) Surgery to remove a lung tumor in a lobe of the lung and a part of the main bronchus (airway).
slippery elmThe inner bark of this plant has been used in some cultures to treat certain medical problems. It may have antioxidant effects.
slit-lamp biomicroscopy(⦠BY-oh-my-KROS-koh-pee) An eye exam using an instrument that combines a low-power microscope with a light source that makes a narrow beam of…
slit-lamp eye examAn eye exam using an instrument that combines a low-power microscope with a light source that makes a narrow beam of light.
small cell lung cancerAn aggressive (fast-growing) cancer that forms in tissues of the lung and can spread to other parts of the body.
Small EmployerIn California's insurance code, a small employer is anyone who employs from 2-50 people. The employer(s) can be included in this number.
Small group marketThe market for health insurance coverage offered to small businesses - those with between 2 and 50 employees in most states, including Minnesota.
small intestine(... in-TES-tin) The part of the digestive tract that is located between the stomach and the large intestine.
small intestine cancer(... in-TES-tin KAN-ser) A rare cancer that forms in tissues of the small intestine (the part of the digestive tract between the stomach and the large…
small lymphocytic lymphoma(LIM-foh-SI-tik lim-FOH-muh) An indolent (slow-growing) type of B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma marked by swollen lymph nodes that usually occurs in people…
smoldering leukemiaA group of diseases in which the bone marrow does not make enough healthy blood cells. Also called myelodysplastic syndromes and preleukemia.
smoldering myeloma(... MY-eh-LOH-muh) A very slow-growing type of myeloma in which abnormal plasma cells (a type of white blood cell) make too much of a single type of…
SN-38 liposome(...LY-poh-SOME) A form of the anticancer drug irinotecan that is contained in very tiny, fat-like particles.
SnET2An anticancer drug that is also used in cancer prevention. It belongs to the family of drugs called photosensitizing agents.
SNPThe most common type of change in DNA (molecules inside cells that carry genetic information).
SNX 111A drug used in the treatment of chronic pain. Also called Prialt and ziconotide.
SNX-5422A substance being studied in the treatment of cancer. SNX-5422 blocks a protein needed for cells to grow and may kill cancer cells.
SNX-5422 mesylate(â¦MEH-zih-layt) A substance being studied in the treatment of cancer.
soblidotinA substance being studied in the treatment of cancer. It is a type of tubulin inhibitor. Also called TZT-1027.
Social SecuritySocial Security is a federal government program designed to provide income for qualifying retired people, their dependents, and disabled people who meet…
Social Security BenefitsThe amount you get from Social Security Disability, Retirement (including Railroad retirement), or Survivor's Benefits each month.
social service(SOH-shul SER-vis) A community resource that helps people in need. Services may include help getting to and from medical appointments, home delivery of…
social support(SOH-shul suh-PORT) A network of family, friends, neighbors, and community members that is available in times of need to give psychological, physical, and…
social workerA professional trained to talk with people and their families about emotional or physical needs, and to find them support services.
sodium(SOH-dee-um) A mineral needed by the body to keep body fluids in balance. Sodium is found in table salt and in many processed foods.
sodium borocaptate(SOH-dee-um BORE-oh-KAP-tayt) A substance used in a type of radiation therapy called boron neutron capture therapy.
sodium salicylate(SOH-dee-um suh-LIH-sih-LAYT) A drug that is a type of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug.
sodium stibogluconate(SOH-dee-um stib-oh-GLOO-kuh-nayt) A substance being studied in the treatment of certain solid tumors, lymphoma, and myeloma.
sodium sulfite(SOH-dee-um SUL-fite) A chemical used in photography, paper making, water treatment, and for other purposes.
sodium thiosulfate(SOH-dee-um THY-oh-SUL-fayt) A substance that is used in medicine as an antidote to cyanide poisoning and to decrease side effects of the anticancer drug…
soft dietA diet consisting of bland foods that are softened by cooking, mashing, pureeing, or blending.
soft palate(PAL-et) The back, muscular (not bony) part of the roof of the mouth.
soft tissueRefers to muscle, fat, fibrous tissue, blood vessels, or other supporting tissue of the body.
soft tissue sarcoma(â¦TIH-shoo sar-KOH-muh) A cancer that begins in the muscle, fat, fibrous tissue, blood vessels, or other supporting tissue of the body.
solar keratosisA precancerous condition of thick, scaly patches of skin. Also called actinic keratosis and senile keratosis.
solid tumorAn abnormal mass of tissue that usually does not contain cysts or liquid areas. Solid tumors may be benign (not cancerous), or malignant (cancerous).
Soliris(soh-LAYR-is) A monoclonal antibody used to prevent red blood cells from being destroyed in patients with paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (PNH), a red…
soluble(SOL-yoo-bul) Able to be dissolved in a liquid.
SolvencyThe ability of a health insurance plan to meet all of its financial obligations.
solvent(SOL-vent) A liquid that is able to dissolve a solid.
Somatic cell(soh-MA-tik ...) Any of the body cells except the reproductive (germ) cells.
somatic mutation(soh-MA-tik myoo-TAY-shun) An alteration in DNA that occurs after conception. Somatic mutations can occur in any of the cells of the body except the germ…
somatostatin receptor scintigraphy(SOH-muh-toh-STA-tin reh-SEP-ter sin-TIH-gruh-fee) A type of radionuclide scan used to find carcinoid and other types of tumors.
somatotropin(SOH-muh-toh-TROH-pin) A protein made by the pituitary gland that helps control body growth and the use of glucose and fat in the body.
somnolence syndrome(SOM-noh-lens SIN-drome) Periods of drowsiness, lethargy, loss of appetite, and irritability in children following radiation therapy treatments to the…
sonogram(SON-o-gram) A computer picture of areas inside the body created by bouncing high-energy sound waves (ultrasound) off internal tissues or organs.
sorafenib(soh-RAF-eh-nib) A drug used to treat advanced kidney cancer and a type of liver cancer that cannot be removed by surgery.
sorafenib tosylate(soh-RAF-eh-nib TOH-suh-layt) A drug used to treat advanced kidney cancer and a type of liver cancer that cannot be removed by surgery.
sorivudineAn antiviral drug that is being studied as a treatment for herpesvirus. It belongs to the family of drugs called nucleic acid synthesis inhibitors.
sorrelA plant that has been used in some cultures to treat certain medical problems. It may have anticancer effects. The scientific name is Rumex acetosella .
soyA product from a plant of Asian origin that produces beans used in many food products.
soya(SOY-uh) A product from a plant of Asian origin that produces beans used in many food products.
soybeanA product from a plant of Asian origin that produces beans used in many food products.
spasm(SPA-zum) A sudden contraction of a muscle or group of muscles, such as a cramp.
Spatial CorrelationA measure of the tendency for places that are near to each other to have more similar (positive correlation) or dissimilar (negative correlation) values…
Special Enrollment PeriodA time outside of the open enrollment period during which you and your family have a right to sign up for job-based health coverage.
Special Health Care NeedThe health care and related needs of children who have chronic physical, developmental, behavioral or emotional conditions.
SpecialistA specialist or specialist unit is a member of a securities exchange responsible for maintaining a fair and orderly market in a specific security or…
SpeciesOrganisms in the same genus that have similar characteristics.
specific immune cell(speh-SIH-fik ih-MYOON SEL) An immune cell such as a T or B lymphocyte that responds to a single, specific antigen.
specificityWhen referring to a medical test, specificity refers to the percentage of people who test negative for a specific disease among a group of people who do…
SPECTA special type of computed tomography (CT) scan in which a small amount of a radioactive drug is injected into a vein and a scanner is used to make…
spectroscopy(spek-TRAH-skoh-pee) The study of the amount of light that is taken up, given off, or scattered (reflected) by an object.
Spectrum of HealthcareHealth services provided in a range of settings, including acute care hospitals, outpatient surgery centers, long-term acute care hospitals, long-term…
speculum(SPEK-yoo-lum) An instrument used to widen an opening of the body to make it easier to look inside.
speech pathologist(... puh-THAH-loh-jist) A specialist who evaluates and treats people with communication and swallowing problems. Also called speech therapist.
speech therapistA specialist who evaluates and treats people with communication and swallowing problems. Also called speech pathologist.
sperm (spurm)The male reproductive cell, formed in the testicle. A sperm unites with an egg to form an embryo.
sperm banking (spurm...)Freezing sperm for use in the future. This procedure can allow men to father children after loss of fertility.
sperm count (spurm kownt)A count of the number of sperm in a sample of semen. A sperm count may be used as a measure of fertility.
sperm retrieval(spurm rih-TREE-vul) Removal of sperm from a man's testis or epididymis by a doctor using a fine needle or other instrument.
spermatic cord(sper-MA-tik KORD) A cord-like structure in the male reproductive system that contains nerves, blood and lymph vessels, and the vas deferens (a coiled…
SPFA scale for rating the level of sunburn protection in sunscreen products. The higher the SPF, the more sunburn protection it gives.
sphenoid sinus(SFEE-noyd SY-nus) A type of paranasal sinus (a hollow space in the bones around the nose).
sphincterA ring-shaped muscle that relaxes or tightens to open or close a passage or opening in the body.
spiculated mass(SPIK-you-lay-ted...) A lump of tissue with spikes or points on the surface.
spinal column(SPY-nul KAH-lum) The bones, muscles, tendons, and other tissues that reach from the base of the skull to the tailbone.
spinal cordA column of nerve tissue that runs from the base of the skull down the back. It is surrounded by three protective membranes, and is enclosed within the…
spinal cord compression(SPY-nul KORD kum-PREH-shun) Pressure on the spinal cord that may be caused by a tumor, a spinal fracture, or other conditions.
spinal tap(SPY-nul ...) A procedure in which a thin needle called a spinal needle is put into the lower part of the spinal column to collect cerebrospinal fluid or…