latentDescribes a condition that is present but not active or causing symptoms.
lavender(LA-vun-der) A plant with aromatic leaves and flowers that is a member of the mint family.
laxativeA substance that promotes bowel movements.
LCHA group of rare disorders in which too many Langerhans cells (a type of white blood cell) grow in certain tissues and organs including the bones, skin…
LCISA condition in which abnormal cells are found in the lobules of the breast. LCIS seldom becomes invasive cancer; however, having it in one breast…
LDHOne of a group of enzymes found in the blood and other body tissues, and involved in energy production in cells.
lectinA complex molecule that has both protein and sugars. Lectins are able to bind to the outside of a cell and cause biochemical changes in it.
LED therapy(...THAYR-uh-pee) Treatment with drugs that become active and may kill cancer cells when exposed to light.
LEEPA technique that uses electric current passed through a thin wire loop to remove abnormal tissue.
leflunomideAn anticancer drug that works by inhibiting a cancer cell growth factor. Also called SU101.
legal aid organizationA group or agency that gives legal help to people with low incomes. Health legal aid workers help people with issues related to getting good healthcare…
leiomyoma(LY-oh-my-OH-muh) A benign smooth muscle tumor, usually in the uterus or gastrointestinal tract. Also called fibroid.
leiomyosarcoma(LY-oh-MY-oh-sar-KOH-muh) A malignant (cancerous) tumor of smooth muscle cells that can arise almost anywhere in the body, but is most common in the…
lemonA small, yellow citrus fruit that is a source of citric acid and ascorbic acid (vitamin C).
lenalidomide(leh-nah-LID-oh-mide) A drug that is similar to thalidomide, and is used to treat multiple myeloma and certain types of anemia.
lens (lenz)A clear disk that focuses light, as in a camera or microscope. In the eye, the lens is a clear, curved structure at the front of the eye behind the pupil.
lentinanA beta-glucan (a type of polysaccharide) from the mushroom Lentinus edodes (shiitake mushroom). It has been studied in Japan as a treatment for cancer.
LEP-ETUA form of the anticancer drug paclitaxel that is contained in very tiny, fat-like particles.
lepirudinA drug that inhibits blood clotting. It is being studied in cancer treatment.
leptomeningeal(LEP-toh-meh-NIN-jee-ul) Having to do with the two innermost meninges (thin layers of tissue that cover and protect the brain and spinal cord).
leptomeningeal cancer(LEP-toh-meh-NIN-jee-ul KAN-ser) A tumor that involves the two innermost meninges (thin layers of tissue that cover and protect the brain and spinal cord).
leptomeningeal metastasis(LEP-toh-meh-NIN-jee-ul meh-TAS-tuh-sis) Cancer that has spread from the original (primary) tumor to the two innermost meninges (thin layers of tissue…
leridistimA substance being studied for its ability to stimulate the production of blood cells during chemotherapy. It is a type of colony-stimulating factor.
lerisetron(leh-RIH-seh-tron) A substance being studied in the treatment of nausea and vomiting caused by cancer treatment.
lesion(LEE-zhun) An area of abnormal tissue. A lesion may be benign (noncancerous) or malignant (cancerous).
lestaurtinib(leh-STOR-tih-nib) A drug being studied in the treatment of acute leukemias and some other types of cancer.
Lethargy(LEH-thur-jee) A condition marked by drowsiness and an unusual lack of energy and mental alertness.
letrozole(LET-ruh-zole) A drug used to treat advanced breast cancer in postmenopausal women. Letrozole causes a decrease in the amount of estrogen made by the body.
leucovorin(LOO-koh-VOR-in) The active ingredient in a drug used to reduce the toxic effects of folic acid antagonists (substances that block the action of folic…
leucovorin calcium(LOO-koh-VOR-in KAL-see-um) A drug used to reduce the toxic effects of folic acid antagonists (substances that block the action of folic acid), especially…
leukapheresis(LOO-kuh-feh-REE-sis) Removal of the blood to collect specific blood cells. The remaining blood is returned to the body.
leukemia(loo-KEE-mee-uh) Cancer that starts in blood-forming tissue such as the bone marrow and causes large numbers of blood cells to be produced and enter the…
Leukocyte(LOO-koh-site) A white blood cell. Refers to a blood cell that does not contain hemoglobin.
Leukopenia(LOO-koh-PEE-nee-uh) A condition in which the number of leukocytes (white blood cells) in the blood is reduced.
leukoplakia(LOO-koh-PLAY-kee-uh) An abnormal patch of white tissue that forms on mucous membranes in the mouth and other areas of the body. It may become cancerous.
leuprolide(LOO-pro-lide) The active ingredient in a drug used to treat symptoms of advanced prostate cancer.
leuprolide acetate(LOO-proh-lide A-seh-tayt) A drug used to treat symptoms of advanced prostate cancer.
leuvectinAn agent that delivers the gene for interleukin-2 (IL-2) into cells to increase production of IL-2 by the cells.
levamisoleAn antiparasitic drug that is also being studied in cancer therapy with fluorouracil.
levels of evidence(LEH-vulz uv EH-vih-dents) A ranking system used to describe the strength of the results measured in a clinical trial or research study.
levetiracetam(lee-vih-ty-RAS-ih-tam) A drug used to treat seizures (involuntary muscle movements) caused by epilepsy (a group of brain disorders).
levocarnitineA form of carnitine, which is a substance made in the muscles and liver. It can be given as a supplement to prevent and treat carnitine deficiency in…
levofloxacinA substance used to treat bacterial infections. It belongs to the family of drugs called quinolone antibiotics.
levonorgestrel(LEE-voh-nor-JES-trel) A form of the hormone progesterone that is made in the laboratory and used to prevent pregnancy.
Levulan(LEH-vyoo-lan) A drug used to treat actinic keratosis (a skin condition that may become cancer).
Levulan Kerastick(LEH-vyoo-lan KER-uh-stik) A drug used to treat actinic keratosis (a skin condition that may become cancer).
LexaproA drug used to treat depression and certain anxiety disorders. It belongs to the family of drugs called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs).
lexatumumab(lek-suh-TOO-moo-mab) A monoclonal antibody being studied in the treatment of some types of cancer.
LGD1069A drug used to treat skin problems caused by cutaneous T-cell lymphoma that have not gotten better after other treatment.
LH-RHA hormone that stimulates the production of sex hormones in men and women. Also called luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone.
LH-RH agonistA drug that inhibits the secretion of sex hormones. In men, LH-RH agonist causes testosterone levels to fall.
Lhermitte's sign(layr-MEETZ ...) A sensation similar to an electrical shock radiating from the back of the head down the spine as the neck is bent forward.
Li-Fraumeni syndromeA rare, inherited predisposition to multiple cancers, caused by an alteration in the p53 tumor suppressor gene.
liarozoleAn anticancer drug that promotes differentiation by increasing the levels of retinoic acid within the tumor.
licorice root extract(LIH-kuh-rish ⦠EK-strakt) A substance prepared from dried roots of the plant Glycyrrhiza glabra .
lidocaine(LY-duh-kane) A substance used to relieve pain by blocking signals at the nerve endings in skin.
Life TablesA table for a given population listing, for each sex and each age from 0 to 120, how many members die at that age and how many survive one more year.
Lifetime RiskThe probability of developing cancer in the course of one's lifespan. Lifetime risk may also be discussed in terms of the probability of developing or of…
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.
light microscopeA microscope (device to magnify small objects) in which objects are lit directly by white light.
light therapy(⦠THAYR-uh-pee) The treatment of disease with certain types of light.
light-emitting diode therapy(lite-ee-MIT-ing THAYR-uh-pee) Treatment with drugs that become active and may kill cancer cells when exposed to light.
lignan(LIG-nun) A member of a group of substances found in plants that have shown estrogenic and anticancer effects.
limb perfusion(LIM per-FYOO-zhun) A procedure that may be used to deliver anticancer drugs directly to an arm or leg.
limbic system(LIM-bik SIS-tem) A network of structures in the brain involved in memory and emotions.
limited stage SCLCSCLC stands for small cell lung cancer. SCLC is usually staged as either "limited" or "extensive.
LinacA machine that uses electricity to form a stream of fast-moving subatomic particles. This creates high-energy radiation that may be used to treat cancer.
linear acceleratorA machine that uses electricity to form a stream of fast-moving subatomic particles. This creates high-energy radiation that may be used to treat cancer.
linseedThe seed of the flax plant. It is a rich source of omega-3 fatty acid, fiber, and a compound called lignin.
Lioresal(lih-OR-eh-sal) A drug that is used to treat certain types of muscle spasms and is being studied in the treatment of liver cancer.
liothyronine sodium(LY-oh-THY-roh-neen SOH-dee-um) A drug that is used to treat certain thyroid (a gland located near the voice box) conditions.
liposomal(LY-poh-SOH-mul) A drug preparation that contains the active drug inside very tiny, fat-like particles.
liposomal cytarabine(LY-poh-SOH-mul sy-TAYR-uh-been) A form of the anticancer drug cytarabine that is contained inside very tiny, fat-like particles.
liposomal SN-38(LY-poh-SOH-mulâ¦) A form of the anticancer drug irinotecan that is contained in very tiny, fat-like particles.
liposome(LY-puh-some) A very tiny, fat-like particle that is made in the laboratory. In medicine, liposomes containing drugs or other substances are used in the…
liquid-based Pap testA type of Pap test. A Pap test is a procedure in which cells are scraped from the cervix for examination under a microscope.
lisofyllineA drug that may protect healthy cells from chemotherapy and radiation without inhibiting the effects of these therapies on tumor cells.
lithium(LIH-thee-um) A soft metal. Lithium salts are used to treat certain mental disorders, especially bipolar (manic depressive) disorder.
liverA large organ located in the upper abdomen. The liver cleanses the blood and aids in digestion by secreting bile.
liver cancerPrimary liver cancer is cancer that forms in the tissues of the liver. Secondary liver cancer is cancer that spreads to the liver from another part of the…
liver function testA blood test to measure the blood levels of certain substances released by the liver.
liver metastasis(...meh-TAS-tuh-sis) Cancer that has spread from the original (primary) tumor to the liver.
liver scanAn image of the liver created on a computer screen or on film. A radioactive substance is injected into a blood vessel and travels through the bloodstream.
Living willA living will is a legal document that describes the type of medical treatment you want-or don't want-if you are terminally ill or unable to communicate…
LMB-1 immunotoxin(... IH-myoo-noh-TOK-sin) A toxic substance linked to an antibody that attaches to tumor cells and kills them.
LMB-2 immunotoxin(... IH-myoo-noh-TOK-sin) A toxic substance linked to an antibody that attaches to tumor cells and kills them.
LMB-7 immunotoxin(... IH-myoo-noh-TOK-sin) A toxic substance linked to an antibody that attaches to tumor cells and kills them.
LMB-9 immunotoxin(... IH-myoo-noh-TOK-sin) A toxic substance linked to an antibody that attaches to tumor cells and kills them.
lobaplatin(LOH-buh-PLA-tin) A substance that contains the metal platinum and may kill cancer cells by damaging their DNA and stopping them from dividing.
lobeA portion of an organ, such as the liver, lung, breast, thyroid, or brain.
lobectomy(loh-BEK-toh-mee) Surgery to remove a whole lobe (section) of an organ (such as the lungs, liver, brain, or thyroid gland).
lobeline(LOH-beh-leen) A substance that comes from a plant known as Indian tobacco, which is different from the tobacco used to make smoking products.