Sampling error: Failure to obtain cancer cells in a tissue sample that results in false negative result. Synonym: Sampling variation.
Sampling variation: Failure to obtain cancer cells in a tissue sample that results in false negative result. Synonym: Sampling error.
Semen: Ejaculate fluid and sperm.
Seminal Vesicles: Paired glands behind the bladder that create fluid for the semen.
Sextant Biopsy: Biopsy method in the prostate that includes tissue samples from six sites, including the apex, midportion, and base on each side.
Side Effect: Complication of therapy.
Sign: Physical change resulting from an illness that can be observed.
Small Cell Carcinoma: Rare form of prostate cancer with poor prognosis. Synonym: Neuroendocrine carcinoma.
Sphincter: Muscle that controls opening and closing of anatomic structures. Example: The urethral sphincter controls urination by squeezing the urethra closed.
Spinal Cord Compression: Pressure on the spinal cord or nerves. Example: Spinal cord compression from prostate cancer metastasis to the spine.
Stage: Size and spread of cancer.
Stress Incontinence: Uncontrolled release of urine during abdominal stress or strain.
Stricture: Narrowing of an anatomic channel due to scarring. Example: Urethral stricture resulting from surgical trauma.
Strontium: Radioactive substance used to treat bone pain from cancer metastases.
Surgical Margin: Edge of a surgical specimen.
Symptom: Patient description of results of illness that cannot be observed or measured by the doctor. Example: Bone pain from metastases.
Systemic: Involving the whole body.