Sleep disorders are conditions that disrupt your ability to get the quality rest your body needs. More than 50 million people in the United States live with a sleep disorder, affecting their physical health, mental wellbeing, and daily functioning.
Check which popular diseases are currently being frequently studied.
See also our rare diseases glossary and drug database.
To open the diseases glossary, select a letter from the list below.
The list below features the most popular diseases currently involved in ongoing clinical trials.
Sleep disorders are conditions that disrupt your ability to get the quality rest your body needs. More than 50 million people in the United States live with a sleep disorder, affecting their physical health, mental wellbeing, and daily functioning.
Small cell carcinoma is a rare, fast-growing type of cancer that most often develops in the lungs, though it can occasionally appear in other body sites. Strongly linked to tobacco smoking, this aggressive cancer tends to spread quickly throughout the body, but treatments can help many patients live longer and, in some cases, even lead to cure.
Small cell lung cancer is a rare, fast-growing type of lung cancer that typically affects people with a history of smoking. While it often spreads quickly, it responds well to treatment initially, though finding better long-term solutions remains a critical challenge for patients and doctors alike.
Extensive stage small cell lung cancer is an aggressive form of lung cancer that has spread beyond a single area of the chest. While there is no cure for this stage, modern treatments including chemotherapy and immunotherapy can help patients live longer and improve their quality of life.
Limited-stage small cell lung cancer is a type of lung cancer where the disease is confined to one area of the chest that can be treated with radiation therapy to a single area. Although small cell lung cancer is aggressive and fast-growing, limited-stage disease is potentially curable when found early and treated properly.
Small cell lung cancer is an aggressive disease that spreads rapidly throughout the body. Around 70% of people receive their diagnosis when cancer has already spread to lymph nodes or other organs, making early detection and treatment critical to improving survival.
Small fibre neuropathy is a nerve condition that causes severe pain attacks, typically starting in the feet or hands, and can significantly affect your quality of life despite not being life-threatening.
When a baby is born smaller than expected for the number of weeks of pregnancy, parents naturally worry. While most small babies are simply on the smaller side and perfectly healthy, understanding what “small for gestational age” means can help families navigate this experience with greater confidence.
Small intestine adenocarcinoma is a rare cancer that forms in the glandular cells lining the small intestine. Despite the small intestine making up 90% of the digestive tract, only 3 to 5% of digestive tract cancers occur there, making diagnosis challenging and often delayed.
Small intestine carcinoma is one of the rarest types of cancer affecting the digestive system, representing only 3% of gastrointestinal cancers in the United States. Despite its rarity, understanding its symptoms, risk factors, and treatment options is crucial for early detection and improved outcomes.
Small intestine carcinoma metastatic is cancer that has spread from the small intestine to other parts of the body. Understanding this advanced stage of a rare cancer can help patients and families navigate treatment options and manage expectations.
Small intestine leiomyosarcoma is a rare and aggressive cancer that develops in the smooth muscle cells of the small bowel. Early diagnosis is challenging because the tumor grows slowly and may not cause symptoms until it reaches an advanced stage, making surgical removal the cornerstone of treatment.
Small intestine neuroendocrine tumours are rare cancers that develop in special hormone-making cells of the small bowel. While uncommon, they are one of the most frequent types of cancer found in the small intestine, and many people live with them for years with proper care and treatment.
Soft tissue sarcoma is a rare type of cancer that starts in the body’s connective tissues, including muscles, fat, blood vessels, and nerves. Though these cancers can develop anywhere in the body, they most commonly appear in the arms, legs, and abdomen.
Solitary fibrous tumours are rare growths that can develop almost anywhere in the body, most commonly around the lungs. While they usually grow slowly and may not cause symptoms for years, understanding these tumours is important for proper diagnosis and treatment.
Somatic symptom disorder is a mental health condition where people experience extreme distress about physical symptoms like pain or fatigue, causing significant problems in daily life. The symptoms themselves are real, but the person’s reaction to them is excessive and out of proportion.
A spermatocele is a fluid-filled sac that develops near the testicle. It’s usually painless, not cancerous, and often goes unnoticed. While most men never need treatment, understanding this common condition can help ease worry if you discover a lump in your scrotum.
Spina bifida is a condition present at birth where the spine and spinal cord don’t develop properly, leaving a gap in the bones of the spine. While it can range from very mild to severe, understanding the condition and available treatments can help families navigate the challenges and support those affected to live full lives.
A spinal cord injury can change almost every aspect of a person’s life in an instant, affecting movement, sensation, and bodily functions. While these injuries present profound challenges, advances in research and rehabilitation are opening new possibilities for recovery and independence.
Cervical spinal cord injuries affect the uppermost section of the spine in the neck and are the most severe of all spinal cord injuries, often leading to significant disability or even paralysis.
Spinal muscular atrophy is a genetic condition that causes progressive muscle weakness and wasting, affecting movement, breathing, and sometimes swallowing. While there is no cure, new treatments are helping people with this condition live longer and better lives.
Spinal osteoarthritis is a breakdown of cartilage in the joints of the spine that causes pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility. While the damage cannot be reversed, various treatments can help manage symptoms and improve quality of life.
Spinal pain affects millions of people worldwide, ranging from mild discomfort to severe disability that impacts everyday activities, work, and quality of life.
Splenic marginal zone lymphoma is a rare, slow-growing type of blood cancer that mainly affects the spleen, and while it often develops gradually without symptoms, it can usually be treated effectively with modern therapies.
When one of the bones in your spine slips out of place and presses on the bone below it, it can cause pain and limit your daily activities. This condition, known as spondylolisthesis, affects thousands of people each year, but many cases can be successfully managed with the right treatment approach.
Squamous cell carcinoma is the second most common type of skin cancer, affecting over 1 million people in the U.S. each year. While usually not life-threatening when caught early, understanding this condition and seeking prompt treatment is essential for the best outcome.
Squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck is a cancer that develops in the moist tissues lining your mouth, nose, and throat, with most cases linked to tobacco use, heavy alcohol consumption, or infection with human papillomavirus (HPV).
Squamous cell carcinoma of the lung is the second most common type of lung cancer after adenocarcinoma, representing about 25-30% of all lung cancer cases. This type of cancer forms when thin, flat cells lining the airways become damaged and multiply uncontrollably, most often in the central part of the lung.
Squamous cell carcinoma of the skin is the second most common type of skin cancer, developing when squamous cells in the outer layer of skin grow out of control, most often due to sun exposure.
Squamous cell carcinoma of the cervix is the most common type of cervical cancer, accounting for up to 90% of all cases. This cancer develops when cells on the cervix’s surface become abnormal, usually due to infection with the human papillomavirus (HPV). While cervical cancer remains a significant health concern worldwide, it is largely preventable through regular screening and the HPV vaccine.
Squamous cell carcinoma of the hypopharynx is a rare and aggressive throat cancer that often goes unnoticed until it has spread, making early detection and specialized treatment essential for improving survival outcomes.
Squamous cell carcinoma of the oral cavity is a serious cancer affecting the mouth, accounting for more than 90% of all oral malignancies. Early detection is crucial, as this disease often shows no symptoms in its early stages when it is most treatable.
Squamous cell carcinoma of the vagina is a rare but potentially serious cancer that develops in the thin, flat cells lining the vagina. Though it grows slowly, early detection through regular examinations is crucial, as this cancer may not cause symptoms in its early stages.
Squamous cell carcinoma of the vulva is the most common type of vulvar cancer, accounting for about 90% of all vulvar cancers. This rare disease typically affects older women and often causes visible skin changes, itching, or lumps in the genital area. Early detection and treatment can lead to excellent survival rates.
Staphylococcal bacteraemia is a serious bloodstream infection caused by Staphylococcus aureus bacteria, with a 30-day mortality rate of around 20%. This condition can lead to life-threatening complications affecting the heart, bones, lungs, and other vital organs throughout the body.
Staphylococcal infections are caused by bacteria that commonly live harmlessly on the skin or in the nose of many people, but sometimes enter the body and cause problems ranging from minor skin issues to life-threatening conditions.
Stargardt’s disease is a rare genetic eye condition that causes progressive vision loss, usually beginning in childhood or adolescence. It affects about 1 in 10,000 people and is the most common form of inherited juvenile macular degeneration.
Status epilepticus is a life-threatening medical emergency that occurs when seizures last too long or happen one after another without recovery time in between. This dangerous brain condition requires immediate medical attention to prevent permanent brain damage or death.
Stem cell transplants are life-saving procedures that can treat serious blood cancers, blood disorders, and some autoimmune diseases by replacing damaged or diseased blood cells with healthy ones.
Stevens-Johnson syndrome is a rare but serious skin reaction that can threaten your life. It usually starts with symptoms similar to the flu, followed by a painful rash that spreads, blisters, and causes the skin to peel off. Most cases are triggered by medications, though infections can also be responsible.
Still’s disease is a rare inflammatory condition that causes daily high fevers, a distinctive rash, and joint pain. This disease can appear either in childhood or in adults, often making everyday activities challenging and unpredictable.
Stomatitis is inflammation of the mucous membranes lining the mouth or lips, causing pain, redness, and sometimes sores that can make eating, drinking, and talking difficult.
Streptococcal infections are caused by bacteria that can affect your throat, skin, and in rare cases, deeper parts of your body. While most infections are mild and easily treated with antibiotics, understanding the symptoms and when to seek care is important for protecting your health.
Stress cardiomyopathy is a condition where intense emotional or physical stress causes rapid and severe heart muscle weakness that mimics a heart attack, but without blocked arteries.
Stress urinary incontinence is a common condition where everyday movements like coughing, laughing, or exercising cause unwanted urine leakage. While it can feel embarrassing, effective treatments exist—from simple lifestyle changes to specialized exercises and, when needed, medical procedures.
Strongyloidiasis is an infection caused by a parasitic worm that can persist in the body for decades, often without symptoms. While many infected people remain unaware of their condition, the infection can become life-threatening in those with weakened immune systems.
Subacute cutaneous lupus erythematosus is an autoimmune disease that primarily affects the skin, causing distinctive red rashes and lesions on sun-exposed areas of the body. While there is no cure, understanding the condition and working with healthcare providers can help manage symptoms and maintain quality of life.
A subarachnoid haemorrhage is a rare but life-threatening type of stroke that occurs when bleeding happens in the space between the brain and the tissues covering it, often causing a sudden, extremely severe headache that people describe as the worst of their lives.
A subdural haematoma is a serious medical condition where blood collects between the protective layers of the brain, usually following a head injury. While symptoms can appear immediately after trauma, they may also develop gradually over weeks or even months, making this condition particularly challenging to recognize.
Substance use disorder is a treatable mental health condition affecting millions of people. While it can significantly impact your health, relationships, and daily life, recovery is possible with proper support and treatment.
Suicidal ideation affects millions of people each year, involving thoughts about death or ending one’s life that can range from fleeting wishes to detailed planning—but having these thoughts doesn’t mean you will act on them, and help is available.
Superficial spreading melanoma that has reached stage III represents an advanced form of skin cancer where the disease has spread beyond the original skin site to nearby lymph nodes or surrounding tissues, requiring comprehensive treatment approaches.
Stage 4 superficial spreading melanoma represents the most advanced phase of the most common type of melanoma, where the cancer has traveled beyond its original location to distant parts of the body such as the lungs, liver, bones, or brain.
Superficial spreading melanoma is the most common form of melanoma, accounting for approximately 70% of all cases. This type of skin cancer typically grows slowly along the surface of the skin for months or even years before potentially spreading deeper.
Progressive supranuclear palsy is a rare brain disease that causes serious problems with walking, balance, eye movements, and swallowing, often leading to dangerous falls and complications.
Supraventricular tachycardia is a condition where your heart suddenly beats much faster than normal, with the rapid rhythm starting in the upper chambers of your heart. While it’s usually not life-threatening, understanding this condition can help you manage episodes and know when to seek help.
Synovial sarcoma is a rare soft tissue cancer that grows slowly and often goes unnoticed for years. While it most commonly affects young adults near large joints, it can appear almost anywhere in the body, making early detection challenging but crucial for better outcomes.
Metastatic synovial sarcoma occurs when this rare, aggressive cancer spreads beyond its original location to other parts of the body, most commonly the lungs and lymph nodes, significantly impacting survival and treatment options.
When synovial sarcoma returns after initial treatment, patients face new challenges that require careful multidisciplinary management and individualized treatment approaches.