allogeneic stem cell transplant, when stem cells used for a transplant come from a donor

asplenia, the absence of the spleen or a spleen that no longer functions after high-dose radiation and results in deficient immune system

autologous stem cell transplant, when stem cells used for a transplant come from the patient’s (host) own body

corticosteroids, medication used to enhance the body’s ability to fight inflammation/infection; also known as steroids

ejaculation, sudden release of semen from the penis from sexual stimulation

graft-versus-host-disease (GVHD), a frequent complication of allogeneic stem cell transplants, when the bone marrow or stem cells provided by the donor (graft) attack the tissues and organ of the child receiving the transplant (host). GVHD may be acute or chronic. Acute GVHD occurs within the first 100 days after the transplant, while chronic GVHD occurs or persists after day 100.

hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HPSCT) also known as stem cell transplant, formerly known as bone marrow transplant, this procedure involves administering healthy stem cells (e.g., bone marrow, cord blood, or peripheral blood) to patients after the bone marrow has been destroyed by disease, chemotherapy (chemo), or radiation.

hydrocele, occurs when fluid collects in the scrotum (most often in males who had abdominal surgery).

immunoglobulin G (IgG), a type of antibody that helps prevent infection

immunosuppression, decreased immune function

impotence, often called erectile dysfunction is the inability for a male to achieve or maintain an erection long enough to engage in sexual intercourse

lymph nodes, small dense areas of tissue in the body’s lymph system that store white blood cells (lymphocytes) which are sent throughout the body to fight infection or other substances/organisms identified as foreign to the body

lymphatic system, a body-wide network of vessels, tissues and organs that play a critical role to help regulate fluid balance and protect the body from infection by filtering out pathogens

lymphedema, occurs when lymph backs up into an extremity, causing swelling, pain, and loss of function (very rare with modern therapy)

myelosuppression, decreased production of blood cells

prophylactic, intervention/medication given to help prevent an infection or other adverse reaction

prophylactic antibiotics, antibiotics given to prevent future possible infection

spleen, an organ in the upper abdomen that removes old red blood cells and platelets from the blood and also stores red blood cells and performs other important functions of the immune system.

stem cell transplant also known as hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HPSCT), a procedure that involves administering healthy hematopoietic stem cells (e.g., bone marrow, cord blood, or peripheral blood) to patients after the bone marrow has been destroyed by disease, chemotherapy (chemo), or radiation.

syngeneic stem cell transplant, when stem cells used for a transplant come from the patient’s (host) identical twin (donor)

thymus, a small organ beneath the breastbone that plays a role in helping white blood cells mature

tonsils, this tissue located in the back of the throat are part of the lymphatic system and function to help filter and destroy bacteria.