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.
lovastatin(LOH-vuh-STA-tin) A drug used to lower the amount of cholesterol in the blood. It is also being studied in the prevention and treatment of some types of…
low blood glucoseA condition that occurs in people with diabetes when their blood glucose levels are too low.
low gradeWhen referring to cancerous and precancerous growths, a term used to describe cells that look nearly normal under a microscope.
low-dose CAT scanA CAT scan that uses smaller amounts of X-rays than a regular CAT scan.
low-grade lymphoma(... lim-FOH-muh) A type of lymphoma that tends to grow and spread slowly, and has few symptoms. Also called indolent lymphoma.
low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion(... SKWAY-mus IN-truh-eh-pih-THEE-lee-ul LEE-zhun) A condition in which the cells of the uterine cervix are slightly abnormal.
lower GI seriesX-rays of the colon and rectum that are taken after a person is given a barium enema.
LSILA condition in which the cells of the uterine cervix are slightly abnormal. LSIL is not cancer. Also called low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion.
LU 79553An anticancer drug that kills cancer cells by affecting DNA synthesis.
LU-103793An anticancer drug that reduces the risk of tumor cell growth and reproduction.
Lubricant(LOO-brih-kant) An oily or slippery substance.
lumbar puncture(LUM-bar PUNK-cher) A procedure in which a thin needle called a spinal needle is put into the lower part of the spinal column to collect cerebrospinal…
LumenThe cavity or channel within a tube or tubular organ such as a blood vessel or the intestine.
Lumpectomy(lum-PEK-toh-mee) Surgery to remove the tumor and a small amount of normal tissue around it.
lungOne of a pair of organs in the chest that supplies the body with oxygen, and removes carbon dioxide from the body.
lung biopsy(⦠BY-op-see) The removal of a small piece of lung tissue to be checked by a pathologist for cancer or other diseases.
lung cancer(lung KAN-ser) Cancer that forms in tissues of the lung, usually in the cells lining air passages.
lung metastasis(...meh-TAS-tuh-sis) Cancer that has spread from the original (primary) tumor to the lung.
Lupron(LOO-pron) A drug used to treat symptoms of advanced prostate cancer. It is also being studied in the treatment of other conditions and types of cancer.
lupus(LOO-pus) A chronic, inflammatory, connective tissue disease that can affect the joints and many organs, including the skin, heart, lungs, kidneys, and…
lurtotecanAn anticancer drug that belongs to the family of drugs called topoisomerase inhibitors.
lutetium texaphyrinA substance that is being studied in the treatment of cancer using photodynamic therapy. It belongs to the family of drugs called metallotexaphyrins.
LuvoxA drug used to treat obsessive-compulsive disorder. It is a type of antidepressant agent and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI).
LY231514A drug that is used to treat malignant pleural mesothelioma and advanced non-small cell lung cancer and is being studied in the treatment of other types…
LY293111A substance that is being studied as a treatment for cancer. It belongs to the family of drugs called leukotriene B4 receptor antagonists.
LY317615A substance being studied in the treatment of certain types of cancer, including non-Hodgkin lymphoma, breast, colon, lung, ovarian, and prostate.
LY335979A substance being studied in the treatment of cancer. LY335979 may help kill cancer cells that are resistant to anticancer drugs.
LY353381 hydrochloride(... HY-droh-KLOR-ide) A substance being studied in the treatment of osteoporosis and breast cancer.
lycopene(LIE-kuh-peen) A red pigment found in tomatoes and some fruits. It is an antioxidant and may help prevent some types of cancer.
Lymph(limf) a transparent, slightly yellow liquid found in the lymphatic vessels.
lymph (limf)The clear fluid that travels through the lymphatic system and carries cells that help fight infections and other diseases. Also called lymphatic fluid.
lymph glandA rounded mass of lymphatic tissue that is surrounded by a capsule of connective tissue.
Lymph NodeA small rounded or bean-shaped mass of lymphatic tissue that helps the body's immune system.
lymph node (limf node)A rounded mass of lymphatic tissue that is surrounded by a capsule of connective tissue.
lymph node dissection(limf node dis-EK-shun) A surgical procedure in which the lymph nodes are removed and examined to see whether they contain cancer.
lymph node drainageThe flow of lymph from an area of tissue into a particular lymph node.
lymph node mappingThe use of dyes and radioactive substances to identify lymph nodes that may contain tumor cells. Also called lymphatic mapping.
Lymph nodes(LIMF nohdz): Small glands that help the body fight infection and disease. They filter a fluid called lymph and contain white blood cells.
lymph vessel (limf ...)A thin tube that carries lymph (lymphatic fluid) and white blood cells through the lymphatic system. Also called lymphatic vessel.
Lymph vessels(limf veh'-sels) tubes in the body that carry the lymph fluid.
lymphadenectomy(LIM-fa-deh-NEK-toh-mee) A surgical procedure in which the lymph nodes are removed and examined to see whether they contain cancer.
lymphadenopathy(lim-FA-deh-NAH-puh-thee) Disease or swelling of the lymph nodes.
lymphangiogram(lim-FAN-jee-o-gram) An x-ray of the lymphatic system. A dye is injected into a lymphatic vessel and travels throughout the lymphatic system.
lymphangiography(lim-fan-jee-AH-gruh-fee) An x-ray study of the lymphatic system. A dye is injected into a lymphatic vessel and travels throughout the lymphatic system.
lymphangiosarcomaA type of cancer that begins in the cells that line lymph vessels.
lymphatic basin(lim-FA-tik BAY-sin) A group of lymph nodes that receives and filters lymph that flows from a certain area of the body.
lymphatic fluid(lim-FA-tik ...) The clear fluid that travels through the lymphatic system and carries cells that help fight infections and other diseases.
Lymphatic mapping(lim-FA-tik ...) The use of dyes and radioactive substances to identify lymph nodes that may contain tumor cells. Also called lymph node mapping.
Lymphatic system(lim-FA-tik SIS-tem) The tissues and organs that produce, store, and carry white blood cells that fight infections and other diseases.
lymphatic vessel(lim-FA-tik ...) A thin tube that carries lymph (lymphatic fluid) and white blood cells through the lymphatic system. Also called lymph vessel.
Lymphedema(LIM-fuh-DEE-muh) A condition in which excess fluid collects in tissue and causes swelling.
lymphoblast(LIM-foh-BLAST) A lymphocyte that has gotten larger after being stimulated by an antigen.
lymphoblastic(LIM-foh-BLAS-tik) Refers to lymphoblasts (a type of immature white blood cell).
lymphoblastic lymphoma(LIM-foh-BLAS-tik lim-FOH-muh) An aggressive (fast-growing) type of non-Hodgkin lymphoma in which too many lymphoblasts (immature white blood cells) are…
Lymphocyte(LIM-foh-site) A type of white blood cell. Lymphocytes have a number of roles in the immune system, including the production of antibodies and other…
lymphocytic(LIM-foh-SIH-tik) Refers to lymphocytes (a type of white blood cell).
lymphocytic leukemiaA type of cancer in which the bone marrow makes too many lymphocytes (white blood cells).
lymphoepithelioma(LIM-foh-EH-pih-THEE-lee-OH-muh) A type of cancer that begins in the tissues covering the nasopharynx (the upper part of the throat behind the nose).
lymphography(lim-FAH-gruh-fee) An x-ray study of lymph nodes and lymphatic vessels made visible by the injection of a special dye.
Lymphoid(LIM-foyd) Referring to lymphocytes, a type of white blood cell. Also refers to tissue in which lymphocytes develop.
lymphokine-activated killer cellA white blood cell that is stimulated in a laboratory to kill tumor cells. Also called LAK cell.
lymphoma(lim-FOH-muh) Cancer that begins in cells of the immune system. There are two basic categories of lymphomas.
lymphomatoid granulomatosis(lim-FOH-muh-toyd GRAN-yoo-loh-muh-TOH-sis) Destructive growth of lymph cells, usually involving the lungs, skin, kidneys, and central nervous system.
lymphoplasmacytic lymphoma(LIM-foh-plaz-muh-SIH-tik lim-FOH-muh) An indolent (slow-growing) type of non-Hodgkin lymphoma marked by abnormal levels of IgM antibodies in the blood…
lymphopoietin-1(LIM-foh-POY-eh-tin...) One of a group of related proteins made by leukocytes (white blood cells) and other cells in the body.
lymphoproliferative disorder(LIM-foh-pruh-LIH-feh-RUH-tiv dis-OR-der) A disease in which cells of the lymphatic system grow excessively.
lymphosarcomaAn obsolete term for a malignant tumor of lymphatic tissue.
lymphoscintigraphy(LIM-foh-sin-TIH-gruh-fee) A method used to identify the sentinel lymph node (the first draining lymph node near a tumor).
Lynch syndromeAn inherited disorder in which affected individuals have a higher-than-normal chance of developing colorectal cancer and certain other types of cancer…
Lyrica(LEER-ih-kuh) A drug used to treat nerve pain caused by diabetes or herpes zoster infection and certain types of seizures.
lysis(LY-sis) In biology, lysis refers to the breakdown of a cell caused by damage to its plasma (outer) membrane.
lysosomeA sac-like compartment inside a cell that has enzymes that can break down cellular components that need to be destroyed.
lyticHaving to do with lysis. In biology, lysis refers to the disintegration of a cell by disruption of its plasma membrane.
lytic lesionDestruction of an area of bone due to a disease process, such as cancer.
M protein(... PROH-teen) An antibody found in unusually large amounts in the blood or urine of people with multiple myeloma and other types of plasma cell tumors.
M-EDTAA substance being studied in the treatment of bacterial infections from catheters (flexible tubes used to deliver fluids into or take fluids from the…
M200A monoclonal antibody that is being studied in the treatment of some types of cancer.
ma huang(mah-hwong) A shrub native to China and India. The stems and roots are used in traditional medicine as a diuretic and for asthma, bronchitis, and cough.
macroglobulinemia(MA-kroh-GLAH-byoo-lih-NEE-mee-uh) A condition in which the blood contains high levels of large proteins and is too thick to flow through small blood…
macrophageA type of white blood cell that surrounds and kills microorganisms, removes dead cells, and stimulates the action of other immune system cells.
Maculopathy(Macular Edema) Retinal capillaries become clogged and swollen, leaking fluid into the retina and cause swelling.
mafosfamideA form of cyclophosphamide that can be administered as an intrathecal infusion. Mafosfamide is being studied as an anticancer drug.
magnesium(mag-NEE-zee-um) In medicine, a mineral used by the body to help maintain muscles, nerves, and bones.
magnesium sulfate(mag-NEE-zee-um SUL-fayt) A drug used to treat pre-eclampsia and eclampsia (serious complications of pregnancy).
magnetic resonance imaging(mag-NEH-tik REH-zuh-nunts IH-muh-jing) A procedure in which radio waves and a powerful magnet linked to a computer are used to create detailed pictures…
magnetic resonance perfusion imaging(mag-NEH-tik REH-zoh-nants per-FYOO-zhun IH-muh-jing) A special type of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) that uses an injected dye in order to see blood…
magnetic resonance spectroscopic imaging(mag-NEH-tik REH-zoh-nants SPEK-troh-SKAH-pik IH-muh-jing) A noninvasive imaging method that provides information about cellular activity (metabolic…
magnetic-targeted carrierA tiny bead made from particles of iron and carbon that can be attached to an anticancer drug.
Magnevist(MAG-nuh-vist) A substance used in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to help make clear pictures of the brain, spine, heart, soft tissue of joints, and…
maidenhair tree(MAY-din-HAYR...) A tree native to China. Substances taken from the leaves and seeds have been used in some cultures to treat certain medical problems.
mainstream medicine(MAYN-streem MEH-dih-sin) A system in which medical doctors and other healthcare professionals (such as nurses, pharmacists, and therapists) treat…
maintenance therapy(...THAYR-uh-pee) Treatment that is given to help a primary (original) treatment keep working.