Category: S

A rare condition caused by lymph node abnormalities, skin rashes, and abnormally circulating T cells. Sezary syndrome is a form of the primary cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (cancer of the lymph nodes). In this syndrome, there is an abnormal overgrowth of lymphoid cells (lymphocytes) in the skin, liver, spleen, and lymph nodes. Immunosuppression may result in…

The sex of humans and other mammals, as regulated by the presence or absence of the Y chromosome. Humans have 22 sets of non-sex chromosomes and one set of sex chromosomes. Females have two X chromosomes, while males have one X and a small Y chromosome. The sex chromosomes, X and Y, though paired in…

A relaxing behavioral method of treating sexual disorders, such as erectile dysfunction or lack of orgasm that have psychological causes. The couple is instructed to refrain from intercourse and to focus instead on hugging, kissing, total body massage, and other forms of non-genital stimulation. By reducing the pressure to have intercourse, the couple can learn…

A term for cancers that have a firm and hard structure. Also called hard cancers, scirrhous cancers often are formed in the muscle wall of internal organs, such as the stomach. The cancerous cells infiltrate the muscle wall and turn it into rigid, leather like scar tissue that cannot stretch or move. Describing carcinomas that…

A parasite of birds and mammals that is released by infected snails into natural bodies of water, including those used for recreational swimming. Schistosomes can cause a skin rash that is also called schistosome dermatitis, or “swimmer’s itch,” and often affects children. The skin irritation is acquired by swimming or wading in water infested with…

An antiviral drug; a protease inhibitor. Saquinavir (Fortovase) and saquinavir mesylate (Invirase) are aids (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome) in combination with other drugs to treat the infection caused by HIV (human immunodeficiency virus). Saquinavir and saquinavir mesylate cannot cure HIV or AIDS, but they can help keep HIV from reproducing itself. The drugs seems to slow…

One of the nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Salsalate (Disalcid, Salflex) is a pain-relieving, fever-reducing, anti-inflammatory medication in the same category as aspirin. It is used to relieve pain, to reduce fever, and to ease some symptoms of arthritis, including joint pain, swelling, and stiffness.  

Abnormal growths in the salivary glands located in the neck or in the parotid glands located above the sides of the jaw. Most salivary gland tumors grow slowly and are benign. Swelling of the affected gland is usually the only symptom, although there may be slight pain. Salivary gland tumors are diagnosed through imaging studies,…

One or more tiny, hard particles that form in the duct of one of the salivary glands when chemicals and salts in the saliva become encrusted around a speck of mucus or other solid material. About 80 percent of these stones are found in the salivary glands in the floor of the mouth. When salivary…

A congenital abnormality involving fusion of a vertebra in the lower spine with the triangular bone at the base of the spine. Abnormal fusion of the fifth lumbar vertebra with the sacrum. Fusion of the sacrum and the fifth lumbar vertebra. The joining together of the fifth lumbar vertebra, the lowest one, with the upper…