Category: S

A benign (not cancerous) growth characterized by the appearance of a papule (a small superficial bump on the skin) with a smooth surface; also known as juvenile melanoma. Most commonly, the papule develops on the face or scalp of a child. Although harmless, it may be mistaken for a malignant melanoma (see melanoma, malignant). Spitz…

The use of divine energy channeled from a spiritual source through a healer to heal the sick. Spirituality can involve the acceptance of a higher power or refer to a person’s individual belief. Healing involves the transmission of energy through, not by, a healer. Spiritual healers believe that the mind, body, and spirit make up a…

An unsightly pattern of bluish blood vessels that can have a spiderlike appearance and are visible in the skin of the legs. Spider veins are a mild form of varicose veins. They are common and medically insignificant, but some people seek treatment for cosmetic reasons. One type of treatment, known as sclerotherapy, involves injecting a…

A surgical procedure used to collect sperm from a man when ejaculation is not possible or when sperm does not reach the ejaculate. Sperm extraction is used in men who have a structural abnormality or an obstruction of the vas deferens, the tube through which sperm move during ejaculation. It is sometimes performed after a…

Soybean products believed to have medicinal properties and the ability to prevent certain diseases. Soy isoflavones, naturally occurring plant chemicals found in soy, have mild estrogen like effects and are taken by many women to relieve symptoms of menopause, such as hot flashes. Soy isoflavones are also thought by some people to have the ability…

The use of sound vibrations to cure disease and achieve higher levels of conscious awareness. Sound therapy uses sound waves for many purposes, especially to reduce the pain and inflammation of muscle, joint, tendon, and ligament disorders. Sound vibration therapy can be administered to sore muscles through a handheld machine that emits inaudible sound waves…

A diagnostic technique used to evaluate abnormal vaginal bleeding. This relatively new technique involves filling the uterus with saline (sterile salt water) during a vaginal ultrasound. A sonohysterogram is considered particularly useful in helping the doctor visualize intrauterine polyps (see polyp) and differentiate benign polyps from malignant lesions.  

Surgical treatment to eliminate snoring. Somnoplasty uses heat energy to remove tissue of the soft palate and the uvula, the flap found at the back of the throat. The procedure is usually performed in the surgeon’s office with local anesthesia. It is not used to treat sleep apnea syndrome.  

The association between snails carrying parasites or their larvae and the infections they cause in humans, who are usually exposed to the snails in natural bodies of water. Clonorchiasis is a chronic parasitic infestation of the liver in humans that is caused by the ingestion of freshwater fish containing the larvae of the liver fluke,…

Drugs designed to maximize the working of the brain; cognition-enhancing drugs. Smart drugs include supplements, food additives, or other cerebroactive chemicals intended to enhance mental performance, either by increasing blood flow to the brain or by boosting the levels of neurotransmitters thought to have a part in learning and memory. Smart drugs are sometimes called…