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Glossary

Showing 1031-1040 out of 1202 Terms

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  • Secondary cancers

    (SEH-kun-dayr-ee KAN-sers)

    A term used to describe cancer that has spread (metastasized) from the place where it first started to another part of the body. Secondary cancers are the same type of cancer as the original (primary) cancer. Also called secondary tumor.

  • Sedation

    (seh-DAY-shun)

    A state of calmness, relaxation, or sleepiness caused by certain drugs. Sedation may be used to help relieve anxiety during medical or surgical procedures or to help cope with very stressful events. Drugs that relieve pain may be used at the same time.

  • Sedative

    (SEH-duh-tiv)

    A drug or substance used to calm a person down, relieve anxiety, or help a person sleep.

  • Sedimentation rate

    (SEH-dih-men-TAY-shun rayt)

    The distance red blood cells travel in one hour in a sample of blood as they settle to the bottom of a test tube. The sedimentation rate is increased in inflammation, infection, cancer, rheumatic diseases, and diseases of the blood and bone marrow. Also called erythrocyte sedimentation rate and ESR.

  • Seizure

    An abnormal state in which you become unconscious and your body moves in an uncontrolled and violent way.

  • Seizures

    An abnormal state in which you become unconscious and your body moves in an uncontrolled and violent way.

  • Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor

    (seh-LEK-tiv SAYR-uh-TOH-nin ree-UP-tayk in-HIH-bih-ter)

    A type of drug that is used to treat depression and some other conditions. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors stop or delay the body from reabsorbing a substance called serotonin, which leaves more of it available for the body to use. Raising serotonin levels can help regulate mood, appetite, digestion, sleep, and many other bodily functions. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors include drugs such as citalopram, escitalopram, fluoxetine, paroxetine, and sertraline. Also called SSRI.

  • Sentinel lymph node biopsy

    SEN-tih-nul limf node BY-op-see

    Removal and examination of the sentinel node(s) (the first lymph node(s) to which cancer cells are likely to spread from a primary tumor). To identify the sentinel lymph node(s), the surgeon injects a radioactive substance, blue dye, or both near the tumor. The surgeon then uses a probe to find the sentinel lymph node(s) containing the radioactive substance or looks for the lymph node(s) stained with dye. The surgeon then removes the sentinel node(s) to check for the presence of cancer cells.

  • Sepsis

    (SEP-sis)

    The presence of bacteria or their toxins in the blood or tissues.

  • Septicemia/sepsis

    (SEP-tih-SEE-mee-uh)/(SEP-sis)

    A very serious bacterial or fungal blood infection which has usually spread from another site of infection such as skin, bowel, or urinary tract. It is usually associated with high fever, shaking chills, and heavy sweating. It is more likely to occur in patients with very low white blood cells.