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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.
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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.
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Latent
(LAY-tent)
Describes a condition that is present but not active or causing symptoms.
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Laxative
(LAK-suh-tiv)
A substance that promotes bowel movements.
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Lesion
(lee-zhun)
A change in body tissue; sometimes used as another word for tumor.
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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.
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Leucopenia
Decrease in the white blood cell count, often a side effect of chemotherapy.
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Leukapheresis
LOO-kuh-feh-REE-sis
Removal of the blood to collect specific blood cells. The remaining blood is returned to the body.
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Leukemia
loo-KEE-mee-uh
Cancer of the blood or blood-forming organs. If you have leukemia, you may have a noticeable increase in white blood cells (leukocytes).
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Leukocytes
(LOO-koh-site)
A type of blood cell that is made in the bone marrow and found in the blood and lymph tissue. Leukocytes are part of the body’s immune system. They help the body fight infection and other diseases. Types of leukocytes are granulocytes (neutrophils, eosinophils, and basophils), monocytes, and lymphocytes (T cells and B cells). Checking the number of leukocytes in the blood is usually part of a complete blood cell (CBC) test. It may be used to look for conditions such as infection, inflammation, allergies, and leukemia. Also called WBC and white blood cell.
