Medical

A substance that blocks the effect of the sun's harmful rays. Using lotions that contain sunscreens can reduce the risk of skin cancer, including melanoma.

An illness that is staying below the surface of clinical detection. A subclinical disease has no recognizable clinical findings.

A narrowing or closure of the normal opening of the swallowing tube leading to the stomach, usually caused by scarring from acid irritation.

A group of bacteria that causes a multitude of diseases. Under a microscope, streptococcus bacteria look like a twisted bunch of round berries.

See: Arthritis, systemic-onset juvenile rheumatoid.

stagingDoing exams and tests to learn the extent of a cancer, especially whether it has spread from its original site to other parts of the body.

As regards cancer, the extent of a cancer, especially whether the disease has spread from the original site to other parts of the body. See also: Staging.

A general term for the abnormal growth of squamous cells on the surface of the cervix.

Cancer that begins in squamous cells -- thin, flat cells that look under the microscope like fish scales.

Rupture of the capsule of the spleen that is a potential catastrophe and requires immediate medical and surgical attention.