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Laparoscopy
(lap-a-ROS-ko-pee): A surgical procedure in which a
lighted instrument shaped like a thin tube is inserted
through a small incision in the abdomen. The doctor
can look through the instrument and see inside the abdomen.
Laparotomy (lap-a-ROT-o-mee): An operation that
allows the doctor to inspect the organs in the abdomen.
Large cell carcinomas: A group of lung cancers
in which the cells are large and look abnormal.
Laryngeal (lair-IN-jee-al): Having to do with
the larynx.
Laryngectomee (lair-in-JEK-toe-mee): A person
who has had his or her voice box removed.
Laryngectomy (lair-in-JEK-toe-mee): An operation
to remove all or part of the larynx.
Laryngoscope (lair-IN-jo-skope): A flexible lighted
tube used to examine the larynx.
Laryngoscopy (lair-in-GOS-ko-pee): Examination
of the larynx with a mirror (indirect laryngoscopy)
or with a laryngoscope (direct laryngoscopy).
Larynx (LAIR-inks): An organ in the throat used
in breathing, swallowing, and talking. It is made of
cartilage and is line by a mucous membrane similar to
the lining of the mouth. Also called the "voice
box."
Laser (LAY-zer): A powerful beam of light used
in some types of surgery to cut or destroy tissue.
Lesion (LEE-zhun): An area of abnormal tissue
change.
Leukemia (loo-KEE-mee-a): Cancer of the blood
cells.
Leukocytes (LOO-ko-sites): Cells that help the
body fight infections and other diseases. Also called
white blood cells (WBCs).
Leukoplakia (loo-ko-PLAY-kee-a): A white spot
or patch in the mouth
Li-Fraumeni Syndrome: A rare family predisposition
to multiple cancers, caused by an alteration in the
p53 tumor suppressor gene.
Ligation (lye-GAY-shun): The process of tying
off blood vessels so that blood cannot flow to a part
of the body or to a tumor.
Limb perfusion (per-FYOO-zhun): A chemotherapy
technique that may be used when melanoma occurs on an
arm or leg. The flow of blood to and from the limb is
stopped for a while with a tourniquet, and anticancer
drugs are put directly into the blood of the limb. This
allows the patient to receive a high dose of drugs in
the area where the melanoma occurred.
Liver: A large, glandular organ, located in the
upper abdomen, that cleanses the blood and aids in digestion
by secreting bile.
Liver scan: An image of the liver created on
a computer screen or on film. For a liver scan, a radioactive
substance is injected into a vein and travels through
the bloodstream. It collects in the liver, especially
in abnormal areas, and can be detected by the scanner.
Lobe: A portion of the liver, lung, breast, or
brain.
Lobectomy (lo-BEK-to-mee): The removal of a lobe.
Lobular carcinoma in situ (LOB-yoo-lar-sin-O-ma
in SY-too): Abnormal cells in the lobules of the breast.
This condition seldom becomes invasive cancer. However,
having lobular carcinoma in situ is a sign that the
woman has an increased risk of developing breast cancer.
Also called LCIS.
Lobule (LOB-yule): A small lobe.
Local: Reaching and affecting only the cells
in a specific area.
Local therapy: Treatment that affects cells in
the tumor and the area close to it.
Lower GI series: A series of x-rays of the colon
and rectum that is taken after the patient is given
a barium enema. (Barium is a white, chalky substance
that outlines the colon and rectum on the x-ray.)
Lubricant (LOO-brih-kant): An oily or slippery
substance. A vaginal lubricant may be helpful for women
who feels pain during intercourse because of vaginal
dryness.
Lumbar puncture: The insertion of a needle into
the lower part of the spinal column to collect cerebrospinal
fluid or to give intrathecal chemotherapy. Also called
a spinal tap.
Lumpectomy (lump-EK-toe-mee): Surgery to remove
only the cancerous breast lump; usually followed by
radiation therapy.
Luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone (LHRH)
agonist (LOO-tin-eye-zing...AG-o-nist): A substance
that closely resembles LHRH, which controls the production
of sex hormones. However, LHRH agonists affect the body
differently than does LHRH. LHRH agonists keep the testicles
from producing hormones.
Lymph (limf): The almost colorless fluid that
travels through the lymphatic system and carries cells
that help fight infection and disease.
Lymph nodes: Small, bean-shaped organs located
along the channels of the lymphatic system. The lymph
nodes store special cells that can trap bacteria or
cancer cells traveling through the body in lymph. Clusters
of lymph nodes are found in the underarms, groin, neck,
chest, and abdomen. Also called lymph glands.
Lymphangiogram (lim-FAN-jee-o-gram): An x-ray
of the lymphatic system. A dye is injected to outline
the lymphatic vessels and organs.
Lymphangiography (imf-an-jee-OG-ra-fee): X-ray
study of lymph nodes and lymph vessels made visible
by the injection of a special dye.
Lymphatic system (lim-FAT-ik): The tissues and
organs that produce, store, and carry white blood cells
that fight infection and disease. This system includes
the bone marrow, spleen, thymus, and lymph nodes and
a network of thin tubes that carry lymph and white blood
cells. These tubes branch, like blood vessels, into
all the tissues of the body.
Lymphedema (LIMF-eh-DEE-ma): A condition in which
excess fluid collects in tissue and causes swelling.
It may occur in the arm or leg after lymph vessels or
lymph nodes in the underarm or groin are removed.
Lymphoma: Cancer that arises in cells of the
lymphatic system.
Lymphocytes (LIMF-o-sites): White blood cells
that fight infection and disease.
Lymphocytic (lim-fo-SIT-ik): Referring to lymphocytes,
a type of white blood cell.
Lymphoid (LIM-foyd): Referring to lymphocytes,
a type of white blood cell. Also refers to tissue in
which lymphocytes develop. |
