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Glossary

Showing 681-690 out of 1184 Terms

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  • Laboratory study

    (LA-bruh-tor-ee STUH-dee)

    Research done in a laboratory. A laboratory study may use special equipment and cells or animals to find out if a drug, procedure, or treatment is likely to be useful in humans. It may also be a part of a clinical trial, such as when blood or other samples are collected. These may be used to measure the effect of a drug, procedure, or treatment on the body.

  • Lactate dehydrogenase

    (LAK-tayt dee-hy-DRAH-jeh-nays)

    One of a group of enzymes found in the blood and other body tissues and involved in energy production in cells. An increased amount of lactate dehydrogenase in the blood may be a sign of tissue damage and some types of cancer or other diseases. Also called lactic acid dehydrogenase and LDH.

  • Laser

    (LAY-zer)

    A device that forms light into intense, narrow beams that may be used to cut or destroy tissue, such as cancer tissue. It may also be used to reduce lymphedema (swelling caused by a buildup of lymph fluid in tissue) after breast cancer surgery. Lasers are used in microsurgery, photodynamic therapy, and many other procedures to diagnose and treat disease.

  • Laser surgery

    (LAY-zer SER-juh-ree)

    Treatment that uses intense, narrow beams of light to cut and destroy tissue, such as cancer tissue. Laser therapy may also be used to reduce lymphedema (swelling caused by a buildup of lymph fluid in tissue) after breast cancer surgery.

  • Late effect

    (layt eh-FEKT)

    A health problem that occurs months or years after a disease is diagnosed or after treatment has ended. Late effects may be caused by cancer or cancer treatment. They may include physical, mental, and social problems and second cancers.

  • Late-stage cancer

    (LAYT-stayj KAN-ser)

    A term used to describe cancer that is far along in its growth, and has spread to the lymph nodes or other places in the body.

  • Latent

    (LAY-tent)

    Describes a condition that is present but not active or causing symptoms.

  • Laxative

    (LAK-suh-tiv)

    A substance that promotes bowel movements.

  • Lesion

    (lee-zhun)

    A change in body tissue; sometimes used as another word for tumor.

  • Lethargy

    (LEH-thur-jee)

    A condition marked by drowsiness and an unusual lack of energy and mental alertness. It can be caused by many things, including illness, injury, or drugs.