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Glossary

Showing 691-700 out of 1206 Terms

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  • 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.

  • Leucopenia

    Decrease in the white blood cell count, often a side effect of chemotherapy.

  • Leukapheresis

    LOO-kuh-feh-REE-sis

    Removal of the blood to collect specific blood cells. The remaining blood is returned to the body.