Squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (HNSCC) is a group of biologically similar cancers originating from the squamous epithelium lining the oral cavity, oropharynx, hypopharynx, and larynx. These malignancies represent over 90% of head and neck cancers and are most commonly associated with risk factors such as tobacco use, alcohol consumption, and human
Sprains and strains are among the most frequent musculoskeletal injuries encountered in both athletic and non-athletic populations. While they share similar symptoms, their underlying pathology differs: sprains affect ligaments, and strains affect muscles or tendons. Prompt diagnosis and appropriate treatment are vital to ensure a full recovery and prevent long-term complications. Understanding the Difference: Sprain
Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is a hereditary neuromuscular disorder characterized by the progressive degeneration of motor neurons in the spinal cord and brainstem. This leads to muscle wasting and weakness, primarily affecting voluntary muscles responsible for activities such as walking, swallowing, and breathing. It is one of the most common genetic causes of infant mortality
Spinal anesthesia, also known as subarachnoid block or spinal block, is a form of regional anesthesia that involves injecting a local anesthetic into the subarachnoid space of the spinal cord. It is widely employed in lower abdominal, pelvic, and lower extremity surgeries due to its rapid onset, predictable effect, and minimized systemic involvement. A meticulous
Spasmodic torticollis, also known as cervical dystonia, is a chronic neurological movement disorder characterized by involuntary muscle contractions in the neck. These contractions cause abnormal movements and postures of the head and neck, often resulting in significant discomfort, functional limitations, and psychological distress. While the precise cause remains elusive in many cases, advances in diagnostic
A sore throat, clinically known as pharyngitis, is a common condition that affects individuals of all ages. It is characterized by pain, irritation, or scratchiness in the throat, often worsening during swallowing. While most sore throats are mild and self-limiting, some can be indicative of serious infections requiring medical intervention. Understanding the underlying causes, appropriate
Solid tumors with NTRK gene fusion represent a rare but actionable subset of malignancies driven by genetic alterations in neurotrophic receptor tyrosine kinase (NTRK) genes. These fusions result in constitutively active TRK fusion proteins that drive oncogenesis across multiple tumor types. The discovery of these fusions has catalyzed the development of targeted therapies, transforming the
Solar lentigines, commonly referred to as age spots, sun spots, or liver spots, are benign pigmented lesions that develop due to prolonged ultraviolet (UV) radiation exposure. These lesions are a hallmark of photoaging and typically affect individuals over the age of 40, particularly those with lighter skin types. Although harmless, their appearance often leads patients
Soft or connective tissue sarcoma refers to a diverse group of malignant tumors that arise in the soft tissues of the body, including fat, muscles, nerves, fibrous tissues, blood vessels, or deep skin tissues. Though relatively rare, sarcomas are complex cancers that require accurate diagnosis and tailored treatment strategies for optimal outcomes. What Is Soft
Social phobia, clinically recognized as social anxiety disorder (SAD), is a chronic mental health condition characterized by an intense fear of social or performance situations where embarrassment or scrutiny is possible. This debilitating condition can significantly impair daily functioning, work performance, relationships, and overall quality of life. Understanding Social Phobia: Definition and Scope Social phobia