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Sarcoma: A malignant tumor of muscles or connective tissues such as bone and cartilage.
Chondrosarcoma: A malignant tumor of cartilage usually occurring near the ends of the long bones.
Ewing's sarcoma: A malignant tumor starting in bone, affecting the bones of extremities. It often appears before the age of 20.
Shingles: See Herpes zoster.
Side effects: Secondary effects of cancer treatment.
Sigmoidoscopy: The visual examination of the rectum and lower colon using a tubular instrument called a sigmoidoscope.
Sputum: Secretions produced by the lungs.
Staging: Determination of extent of the cancer in the body. (Or what female impersonators do with Barbara Streisand numbers.)
Steroids: A type of hormones.
Stoma: An artificial opening between two cavities or between a cavity and the surface of the body.
Stomatitis: Temporary inflammation and soreness of the mouth.
Systemic disease: A disease that affects the whole body instead of a special organ.
Taste alteration: A temporary change in taste perception. (Which is how we know that bell bottoms are on their way out again.)
Testicular self-examination (TSE): A simple manual exam of testes. (Note: should not be undertaken in phone booths or dark movie theatres.)
Thoracentesis (Pleural tap): A procedure to remove fluids from the area between the two layers (pleura) covering the lung.
Thrombocytopenia: An abnormally low number of platelets (thrombocytes). If the platelets are too few, bleeding could occur.
Tracheostomy: A surgical opening through the trachea in the neck to provide an artificial airway. (Kids! Do not attempt this at home!)
Tumor: An abnormal overgrowth of cells. Tumors can be either benign or malignant.
Ultrasound examination: The use of high frequency sound waves for the purpose of diagnosis.
Ureterostomy: A surgical procedure consisting of cutting the ureters from the bladder and connecting them to an opening (see Stoma) on the abdomen allowing urine to flow into a collection bag.
Venipuncture: Puncturing the vein in order to obtain blood samples, to start an intravenous drip or to give a medication.
Vesicant: An intravenous medication that, if leaked into tissues, could cause pain, swelling, tissue damage and destruction.
Virus: A tiny infectious agent that is smaller than bacteria. The common cold is caused by a virus. For example, herpes simplex (cold sore).
White blood cells (WBC): General term for a variety of cells responsible for fighting invading germs, infection, and allergy-causing agents. Specific white blood cells include granulocytes and lymphocytes.
X-ray. High energy electromagnetic radiation used to diagnose and treat disease. Diagnostic test using high energy to visualize internal body organs (See radiation therapy).
Xena: Buxom warrior princess. "Ay-eee-ye-ye-ye-ye!"
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