Take me to: A-B-C-D-E-F-G-H-I-J-K-L-M-N-O-P-Q-R-S T-U-V-W-X-Y-Z

J

jaundice

A yellowish discoloration of the skin and white portion of the eyes due to the accumulation of billirubin, a breakdown product of hemoglobin. This indicates liver disease or blockage of the major bile ducts.

K

kidney

The chief organ involved in the filtration of certain bodily wastes and in the maintenance of proper mineral and water balance.

L

lesion (lee-zhun)

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

leucopenia

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

leukemia (loo-key-me-uh)

Cancer of the blood or blood-forming organs. If you have leukemia, you may have a noticeable increase in white blood cells (leukocytes).

leukocytosis (loo-ko-sigh-toe-sis)

Having more than the usual number of white blood cells.

leukopheresis

The process of filtering white cells, leukocytes, or "polys" from the blood of healthy donors. These cells may be given to you if you have a severe infection and few "polys" of your own.

liver

An organ in your body which performs many complex functions necessary for life. These include processes related to digestion, production of certain proteins, and elimination of many of the body's waste products.

local anesthetic

A medication given by injection into a part of your body to prevent pain in the area without putting you to sleep.

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long term survivor

If you are 5 years from the last sign of disease and at least 2 years off therapy.

lumbar puncture (LP)/spinal tap

A procedure in which a thin needle is placed in your spinal canal to withdraw a small amount of spinal fluid or to give medicine into the central nervous system through the spinal fluid. If you have leukemia, this fluid is tested for the possible presence of "blasts" cells as well as other elements.

lymph (limf)

Clear fluid that flows through the lymphatic vessels and contains cells known as lymphocytes. These cells are important in fighting infections and may also have a role in fighting cancer.

lymph nodes/glands

A part of your body important in the defense again infections; commonly known as glands; in leukemia they enlarge when filled with lymphoblasts.

lymphatic system

The tissues and organs (including lymph nodes, spleen, thymus, and bone marrow) that produce and store lymphocytes (cells that fight infection) and the channels that carry the lymph fluid. The entire lymphatic system is an important part of your body's immune system. Invasive cancers sometimes penetrate your lymphatic vessels (channels) and spread (metastasize) to your lymph nodes.

lymphocytes

A type of white blood cell that helps the body fight infection

lymphocytosis (limf-o-sigh-toe-sis)

Having an excess of lymphocytes.

lymphoma (lim-foam-uh)

Cancer of the lymphatic system, a network of thin vessels and nodes throughout the body. Lymphoma involves a type of white blood cells called lymphocytes. The two main types of lymphoma are Hodgkin's disease and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. The treatment methods for these two types of lymphomas are very different.

M

magnetic resonance imaging

A method of taking pictures of the inside of the body. Instead of using x-rays, MRI uses a powerful magnet and transmits radio waves through the body; the images appear on a computer screen as well as on film. Like x-rays, the procedure is physically painless, but you may find it psychologically uncomfortable to be inside the MRI machine.

malignant tumor (muh-lig-nant)

A mass of cancer cells that may invade surrounding tissues or spread (metastasize) to distant areas of your body.

melanoma (mel-uh-no-muh)

A cancerous (malignant) tumor that begins in the cells that produce the skin coloring (melanocytes). Melanoma is almost always curable in its early stages. However, it is likely to spread, and once it has spread to other parts of the body the chances for a cure are much less.

meningeal leukemia

When the meninges, the membranes which cover the brain and the spinal cord, become invaded by leukemic cells.

meningitis

An infection of the membranes and fluid around the brain and spinal cord.

metabolism

A general term for the many chemical processes that are necessary within the body to sustain life.

metastasis (meh-tas-teh-sis)

The spread of cancer cells to distant areas of the body by way of the lymph system or bloodstream.

microorganism

A general name for any small living organism, such as bacteria, viruses, and fungi.

mixed lymphocyte culture assay (MLC)

A technique to determine compatibility between individuals. Differences in HL-A antigens between two individuals will cause an immune reaction between their lymphocytes mixed in culture. This reactivity can be measured in the MLC assay. Compatible individuals have negative MLC's.

monitor (cardiac)

A machine that continually records your heart activity.

monoclonal antibodies

Antibodies made in the laboratory and designed to target specific substances called antigens. Monoclonal antibodies which have been attached to chemotherapy drugs or radioactive substances are being studied to see if they can seek out antigens unique to cancer cells and deliver these treatments directly to the cancer, thus killing the cancer cells without harming healthy tissue. Monoclonal antibodies are also used in other ways, for example, to help find and classify cancer cells.

monocyte

A type of young white blood cell. MRI

See magnetic resonance imaging

mucositis

Inflammation of the mucous membrane, e.g. inside the mouth.

mucous membrane

A lining of the internal surface of the body which produces mucous.

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