Cancer-Related Dictionary

The semen analysis is the most important test available to evaluate male fertility. To do this, one needs to provide a semen sample. In a laboratory, a drop of semen is examined under a microscope and the number (sperm count), shape (morphology), and mobility (movement) of the sperm are determined. **Sperm count****:** Either >16 million per ml or a total of over 39 million per ejaculation is considered normal. **Shape****:** At least 4% must have a normal shape. The head, the midpiece, and the tail of the sperm are assessed. **Mobility****:** More than 42% of sperm need to move and more than 30% need to travel. Movement is classified as progressive (purposeful forward movement), non-progressive (local movement, circular movement), or immotile (no movement).

A sentinel lymph node biopsy is a surgical procedure used to determine if cancer has spread beyond a primary tumor into the lymphatic system. It involves identifying, removing, and examining the sentinel lymph nodes, which are the first nodes to which cancer cells are likely to spread from a primary tumor.

Sentinel node mapping is a medical procedure used to identify the first lymph node, known as the sentinel node, that cancer cells are most likely to spread to from a primary tumor. This technique helps doctors determine the extent of cancer spread and plan appropriate treatment.

A sentinel lymph node is the first lymph node or group of nodes where cancer cells are most likely to spread from a primary tumor. Doctors commonly examine the sentinel nodes through a procedure called a sentinel lymph node biopsy to determine if cancer has started to metastasize or spread.

A stem cell transplant, also known as a bone marrow transplant, is a medical procedure where damaged or diseased bone marrow is replaced by healthy stem cells. These cells can regenerate into new bone marrow that produces normal blood cells. This procedure may be necessary in treatment of certain cancers, blood disorders or immune deficiency syndromes.

Stereotactic radiosurgery is a non-surgical procedure that uses detailed imaging techniques and multiple streams of precise, high-energy radiation to treat tumors and other abnormalities in the brain, spine, lungs or other body parts, without harming the surrounding healthy tissue. It minimizes side effects and allows for a swift recovery.

A "Stoma" is a medical term referring to an artificially created opening in the body, often established during surgical procedures. It serves as a direct pathway for waste elimination from the body or breathing, mainly in cases where natural processes have been hindered due to health conditions. Typical types include colostomy, ileostomy, and tracheostomy.

"Surgery" refers to the medical field that uses operative techniques to investigate or treat physical conditions. It involves cutting, ablation, suturing or otherwise physically altering body tissues and organs, frequently performed to remove or repair damaged parts. Types of surgery can range from minor procedures to complex major surgeries. It often ventures into science, art, and technology.

Surgical staging is a procedure used to determine the extent of cancer spread within the body. It involves a surgeon examining tissues, organs, and sometimes lymph nodes during surgery to assess how far the cancer has progressed. This information helps doctors plan the most effective treatment strategy.