sheep 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 .
Sheridan's FormulaA liquid that has been promoted as a treatment for a wide range of diseases, including cancer.
shiitake mushroom(shee-TAH-kee ...) A dark oriental mushroom widely used as a food. Several anticancer substances have been found in shiitake mushrooms, including…
shinboneThe larger of two bones between the knee and ankle. Also called tibia.
Sho-saiko-toA Japanese formulation of seven Chinese herbs that is being studied as a treatment for cancer.
shuntIn medicine, a passage that is made to allow blood or other fluid to move from one part of the body to another.
sialic acid(sy-A-lik A-sid) Any of a group of simple sugar molecules.
sialyl Tn-KLHA vaccine composed of a substance that enhances immunity plus an antigen found on some tumors of the colon, breast, lung, ovary, pancreas, and stomach.
Sibling(SIB-ling) A person's brother or sister who has the same parents.
sickle cell anemia(SIH-kul sel uh-NEE-mee-uh) An inherited disease in which the red blood cells have an abnormal crescent shape, block small blood vessels, and do not last…
sickle cell disease(SIH-kul sel dih-ZEEZ) An inherited disease in which the red blood cells have an abnormal crescent shape, block small blood vessels, and do not last as…
side effectAn effect of a drug, chemical, or other medicine that is in addition to its intended effect, especially an effect that is harmful or unpleasant.
side-to-end coloanal anastomosisA surgical procedure in which the side of the colon is attached to the anus after the rectum has been removed.
sideropenic dysphagiaA disorder marked by anemia caused by iron deficiency, and a web-like growth of membranes in the throat that makes swallowing difficult.
SIDSThe sudden and unexpected death of a healthy child who is younger than one year old, usually during sleep. The cause of SIDS is not known.
sigmoid colon(SIG-moyd KO-lun) The S-shaped section of the colon that connects to the rectum.
Sigmoidoscope(sig-MOY-doh-skope) A thin, tube-like instrument used to examine the inside of the colon.
sigmoidoscopy(sig-MOY-DOS-koh-pee) Examination of the lower colon using a sigmoidoscope, inserted into the rectum.
signal transduction(SIG-nul trans-DUK-shun) The process by which a cell responds to substances in its environment.
signal transduction inhibitorA drug that may prevent the ability of cancer cells to multiply quickly and invade other tissues.
signaling pathway(SIG-nuh-ling â¦) A series of specific actions in a cell in which a signal is passed from one molecule to the next in the series.
signature molecule(SIG-nuh-cher MAH-leh-kyool) A biological molecule found in blood, other body fluids, or tissues that is a sign of a normal or abnormal process, or of a…
signet ring cell carcinomaA highly malignant type of cancer typically found in glandular cells that line the digestive organs.
significantIn statistics, describes a mathematical measure of difference between groups. The difference is said to be significant if it is greater than what might be…
SILA general term for the abnormal growth of squamous cells on the surface of the cervix.
sildenafilA drug used to treat erectile dysfunction. Sildenafil relaxes the smooth muscle of the penis to allow increased blood flow and erection.
silica(SILL-uh-kuh): A substance found in rocks, sand, and quartz as well as some workplaces.
silicon phthalocyanine 4(SIH-lih-KON THAH-loh-SY-uh-NEEN) A substance being studied in the treatment of cancer.
siliconeA synthetic gel that is used as an outer coating on breast implants and as the inside filling of some implants.
Silybum marianumA plant that has been used in some cultures to treat certain medical problems, including stomach, liver, and gallbladder disorders.
silymarinA substance obtained from milk thistle seeds that is being studied in the prevention of liver damage caused by certain cancer treatments.
simian virus 40(SIH-mee-un VY-rusâ¦) A virus that infects some types of monkeys. It may also infect humans, and was found in some polio vaccines tested in the…
simple mastectomy(SIM-pul ma-STEK-toh-mee) Removal of the breast. Also called total mastectomy.
simple nephrectomy(SIM-pul neh-FREK-toh-mee) Surgery to remove one kidney.
simple vulvectomy(SIM-pul vul-VEK-toh-mee) Surgery to remove the entire vulva (the external female genital organs, including the clitoris, vaginal lips, and the opening to…
SimulationIn cancer treatment, a process used to plan radiation therapy so that the target area is precisely located and marked.
single blind studyA type of clinical trial in which only the doctor knows whether a patient is taking the standard treatment or the new treatment being tested.
single nucleotide polymorphism(... NOO-klee-oh-TIDE PAH-lee-MOR-fih-zum) The most common type of change in DNA (molecules inside cells that carry genetic information).
single-photon emission computed tomography(SIN-gul-FOH-ton ee-MIH-shun kum-PYOO-ted toh-MAH-gruh-fee) A special type of computed tomography (CT) scan in which a small amount of a radioactive drug…
Singulair(SING-yoo-layr) A drug used to treat symptoms of asthma, such as trouble breathing, tight chest, wheezing, coughing, and runny nose.
siplizumabA monoclonal antibody that is being studied in the treatment of certain lymphoproliferative disorders and psoriasis. Also called MEDI-507.
Sipuleucel-T(SY-puh-LOO-sel...) A vaccine made from immune system cells collected from a patient with prostate cancer.
sirolimus(sir-OH-lih-mus) A drug used to prevent the rejection of organ and bone marrow transplants by the body.
SIRSA serious condition in which there is inflammation throughout the whole body. It may be caused by a severe bacterial infection (sepsis), trauma, or…
SJG-136A substance that is being studied in the treatment of cancer. It belongs to the family of drugs called DNA cross-linking agents.
Sjögren syndrome(SHOH-grin SIN-drome) An autoimmune disease that affects the tear glands and salivary glands, and may affect glands in the stomach, pancreas, and…
SK&F106615A substance being studied in the treatment of certain multiple myelomas and other advanced cancers.
skeletal(SKEH-leh-tul) Having to do with the skeleton (bones of the body).
skeletonThe framework that supports the soft tissues of vertebrate animals and protects many of their internal organs.
Skilled Nursing CareServices from licensed nurses in your own home or in a nursing home. Skilled care services are from technicians and therapists in your own home or in a…
Skilled Nursing Facility (SNF)(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.