LeukocytosisIncrease in total white blood cell count.
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 LimitA dollar limit on how much the insurance company will pay in your lifetime. An insurer may, for example, cover up to $1 million over your lifetime.
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 Benefit Health Insurance Policies“Limited benefit health insurance policies” can cost far less than traditional insurance, but cap what health insurance carriers will pay toward…
Limited Benefits PlanA type of health plan that provides coverage for only certain specified health care services or treatments or provides coverage for health care services…
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.
Lobes(lobz) overlapping sections in the breast that contain the lobules.
lobradimilA substance that is being studied for its ability to help other drugs reach the brain. It belongs to the family of drugs called bradykinin agonists.
lobular carcinoma(LAH-byuh-ler KAR-sih-NOH-muh) Cancer that begins in the lobules (the glands that make milk) of the breast.
lobular carcinoma in situ(LAH-byuh-ler KAR-sih-NOH-muh in SY-too) A condition in which abnormal cells are found in the lobules of the breast.
Lobule(LOB-yule) A small lobe or a subdivision of a lobe.
local anesthesia(... A-nes-THEE-zhuh) Drugs that cause a temporary loss of feeling in one part of the body.
local cancerAn invasive malignant cancer confined entirely to the organ where the cancer began.
local therapy(...THAYR-uh-pee) Treatment that affects cells in the tumor and the area close to it.
Localization(LO-kal-ih-ZAY-shun) The process of determining or marking the location or site of a lesion or disease.
LocalizedRestricted to the site of origin, without evidence of spread.
localized gallbladder cancerCancer found only in the tissues that make up the wall of the gallbladder. Localized gallbladder cancer can be removed completely in an operation.
localized malignant mesothelioma(...muh-LIG-nunt meh-zuh-thee-lee-OH-muh) Cancer is found in the lining of the chest wall and may also be found in the lining of the lung, the lining of…
locally advanced cancer(... ad-VANST KAN-ser) Cancer that has spread from where it started to nearby tissue or lymph nodes.
locally recurrent cancer(... ree-KER-ent KAN-ser) Cancer that has recurred (come back) at or near the same place as the original (primary) tumor, usually after a period of time…
locus(LOH-kuss) Specific place where something is located or occurs. It may refer to a specific place on the body (such as an acupuncture point) or the place…
Lofibra(loh-FY-bruh) A drug used to treat high levels of cholesterol and triglycerides in the blood.
lometrexolA substance that is being studied as a treatment for cancer. It belongs to the family of drugs called antifolates.
lomustineAn anticancer drug that belongs to the family of drugs called alkylating agents.
lonafarnibAn anticancer drug that belongs to the family of drugs called enzyme inhibitors. Also called SCH 66336.
Long Term Acute Care Facility or Hospital (LTAC)A healthcare facility authorized by the Department of Social and Health Services to specialize in twenty-four hour inpatient medical and rehabilitative…
Long-Term CareServices that help meet the medical and nonmedical needs of people with a chronic illness or disability.
Long-term care facility (LTCF)An institution, such as nursing homes and skilled nursing facilities that provide healthcare to people who are unable to manage independently in the…
loop electrosurgical excision procedure(loop ee-LEK-troh-SER-jih-kul ek-SIH-zhun proh-SEE-jer) A technique that uses electric current passed through a thin wire loop to remove abnormal tissue.
loop excision(...ek-SIH-zhun) A technique that uses electric current passed through a thin wire loop to remove abnormal tissue.
loperamide hydrochloride(loh-PER-uh-mide HY-droh-KLOR-ide) A drug used to treat diarrhea. Loperamide hydrochloride slows the movement of the muscles in the small intestine to…
lorazepam(lor-AZ-uh-pam) A drug that is used to treat anxiety and certain seizure disorders (such as epilepsy), and to prevent nausea and vomiting caused by…
losartan(loh-SAR-tan) A drug used to treat high blood pressure. Losartan blocks the action of chemicals that make blood vessels constrict (get narrower).
losartan potassium(loh-SAR-tan puh-TA-see-um) A drug used to treat high blood pressure. Losartan potassium blocks the action of chemicals that make blood vessels constrict…
losoxantroneAn anticancer drug that belongs to the family of drugs called antipyrazoles.