A parasitic disease common in the tropics in which a tiny worm burrows through the skin and spreads around the body, causing a variety of symptoms. It is usually contracted through contact with water infested with a type of snail that harbours the parasite. The alternative name is bilharzia.
schistosomiasis
schizophrenia
A psychiatric disorder featuring psychosis along with disordered speech, thinking and behaviour and often accompanied by hallucinations and withdrawal from ordinary social interactions.
sciatica
Pain that radiates along the sciatic nerve, which is the main nerve in each leg and the largest nerve in the body.
sclera
The white of the eye.
scleroderma
an autoimmune disease that targets connective tissue.
scoliosis
Curvature of the spine.
screening
A way to identify people who may have a certain condition, among a group of people who may or may not seem to
scrotum
The sac that contains the testes.
scurvy
A condition caused by a deficency of vitamin C.
sebaceous
Relating to a sebaceous gland, a specialised gland in the skin producing sebum, an oily material that helps to lubricate and protect skin and hair.
seborrhoeic dermatitis
A red, scaly rash that develops on the face, scalp, chest and back. It often develops during times of stress and is probably caused by an excess growth of yeast on the skin.
seborrhoeic eczema
Irritated and inflamed skin, typically starting on the scalp (dandruff) and spreading to the face. It is linked with a yeast infection.
seborrhoeic keratosis
Benign, wart-like growths on the surface of the skin.
seborrhoeic wart
Benign warty growths that occur on the skin. They tend to first appear around the age of 40 years.
secondary cancer
A tumour or abnormal swelling that results from the spread of another malignant (uncontrolled) tumour to a distant part of the body.
secondary leukaemia
Leukaemia that has developed as a result of chemotherapy treatment for another cancer.
seizure
Uncontrolled electrical activity within the brain, leading to convulsions or an alteration in mental state.
selenium
A trace element in the body.
seminal vesicle
Either of a pair of glands in the male that produce the components of semen.
seminal vesicles
A pair of pouch-like glands situated on each side of the bladder in males. These produce the components of semen.
seminoma
A type of testicular disease.
senile purpura
Extreme susceptibility to bruising, often without cause. It is normally seen in older people whose skin is thinner and connective tissue weaker.
sensorineural
Deafness due to problems with the inner ear, nerves or the auditory area of the brain.
sepsis
Infection of a wound or body tissue with bacteria that leads to the formation of pus or to the multiplication of bacteria in the blood.