Syringomyelia is a condition in which a fluid-filled cyst called a syrinx forms within your spinal cord. The syrinx can get bigger and elongate over time, resulting in damage to your spinal cord and compression and injury of the nerve fibers that carry information from your brain to the rest of your body and vice versa. The fluid in the cyst is cerebrospinal …

Syphilis is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) that spreads when you have vaginal, anal or oral sex with someone who has the infection. A bacteria causes it. Antibiotic medication treats syphilis. Untreated syphilis can lead to serious health problems, including blindness and damage to your brain, heart, eyes and nervous system. What are the stages of syphilis? Syphilis can progress through four different …

Synovial sarcoma (synovial cell sarcoma) is a rare type of cancer that affects soft tissues, like your muscles or ligaments. It’s called synovial sarcoma because these cancer cells resemble the cells in your synovial joints (like your elbows, hips and shoulders). Synovial sarcoma grows very slowly and may not cause pain. Many times, you won’t have symptoms until the tumor grows large enough to create a lump you can see …

A breast lump is a growth of tissue that forms in the breast. Most breast lumps are not irregular or cancerous. But it’s key to have your healthcare professional check them promptly.

Supraventricular tachycardia (SVT) is a fast heart rate that starts in your upper heart chambers. When your heart is beating too fast at rest, it makes it hard to send enough blood to your body. Episodes can go on for seconds to hours. When your heart beats too quickly, there’s not enough time for your heart chambers to fill with blood before they contract. If you have …

Sunburn is red, painful, damaged skin from being out in the sun for too long. When you get a sunburn, ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun (or a tanning bed!) burn your skin. You don’t have to spend the day at the beach or pool to get a sunburn. Some people get sunburns doing everyday things without using sunscreen, like …

A sun allergy happens when a person develops a rash and sometimes other symptoms after exposure to sunlight. The allergy can range from mild to severe, possibly causing more serious symptoms or limiting everyday activities. What are the different kinds of sun allergies? There are different types of sun allergies, depending on the rash type, cause and people most often …

Suicide, taking your own life, is a tragic reaction to stressful life situations — and all the more tragic because suicide can be prevented. Whether you’re considering suicide or know someone who feels suicidal, learn suicide warning signs and how to reach out for immediate help and professional treatment. You may save a life — your own or someone else’s. …

Subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) is bleeding in the area between your brain and the thin tissues that cover and protect it. SAH is a medical emergency. Your brain has three membrane layers or coverings (called meninges) that lie between your skull and your brain tissue. The outermost layer of your meninges is called the dura mater, the middle layer is the arachnoid and the …

Stretch marks (striae) are discolored, slightly sunken (depressed), scar-like lines in your skin. They appear when your skin rapidly stretches or shrinks. Stretch marks generally appear on your: Abdominal area (stomach). Thighs. Hips. Breasts (boobs). Upper arms. Lower back. Buttocks (butt). Who do stretch marks affect? Anyone can get stretch marks. But you’re more likely to develop stretch marks if: You’re pregnant, …