Cancer Dictionary

Sarcoma is a type of malignant tumor that arises from transformed cells of mesenchymal (connective tissue) origin. It can occur in various locations in the body, including the bones, muscles, tendons, cartilage, nerves, fat, and blood vessels. Despite being relatively rare, sarcomas are aggressive and often require intense treatment modalities such as surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy.

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).

"Staging" in the healthcare context, refers to the process of determining the size and spread of a specific disease or cancer within the patient's body. It facilitates the development of an appropriate treatment plan, and helps predict patient prognosis. The stage is often denoted by Roman numerals I, II, III, or IV.

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.