The Furry Monkey

terminology - l

Leukaemia
Cancer of the blood and blood-forming tissues, especially the bone marrow, but also including the lymph nodes and spleen. There are many kinds of leukaemia, but the acute disease is generally characterised by the overproduction of abnormal or immature white blood cells.

Leukocyte (LU-ko-site)
A general term for all white blood cells. There are 3 main types of leukocytes: monocytes, granulocytes, and lymphocytes.

Leukopenia (LU-ko-PEA-nee-uh)
The condition of having abnormally low numbers of white blood cells.

Localised Disease
A cancer that is only present in a limited part of the body, for example, only in the lymph nodes in a specific sector of the body (like the neck or armpits).

Local Therapy
Use of treatments such as radiotherapy and surgery, which are concentrated on particular areas of the body.

Low-Grade Lymphoma
Lymphoma that grows slowly and has few symptoms. Also called indolent lymphoma.

Lumbar Puncture
Also called a spinal tap - involves the removal of the fluid in the spine for examination.

Lymph
The watery fluid in the lymph system that contains white blood cells (lymphocytes).

Lymph Nodes
Small bean-shaped glands located along the small vessels of the lymphatic system. There are thousands of lymph nodes located throughout the body; with clusters of them in the neck, under the arms, and in the chest, abdomen and groin. Lymph nodes filter lymph fluid, trapping and destroying potentially harmful bacteria and viruses. Lymph nodes may be enlarged as a result of benign as well as malignant causes.

Lymphangiogram
An x-ray of the lymph system. A contrast medium is injected into the lymph fluid to outline the nodes and vessels so they can be easily visualised on the x-ray film.

Lymphatics
Lymph channels and vessels that transport lymph fluid. They are similar to blood vessels, but smaller.

Lymphatic System
The system of lymph nodes and the vessels or small tubes which connect them. Lymph nodes are located throughout the body, filtering out dangerous substances and producing infection-fighting cells called lymphocytes. Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma is a cancer of the lymphatic system.

Lymphoedema
Swelling, usually in the arms or legs, which occurs because the lymph vessels are damaged or blocked. This can occur following some treatments for cancer or due to the cancer itself. Not indicative of lymphoma.

Lymphocytes
A type of white blood cell. Lymphocytes, carried along by the lymph fluid, are part of the immune system and fight infection. Found in the bloodstream, the lymphatic system, and lymphoid organs. The two main types of lymphocytes - B cells (bone marrow derived lymphocytes) and T cells (thymus derived lymphocytes or thymocytes) combine forces to regulate the immune response.

Lymphocytosis (lim-foe-sigh-TOE-sis)
The condition of having abnormally high numbers of certain white blood cells called lymphocytes.

Lymphoma
A malignant disease that begins in the lymph nodes, organs and tissues of the lymphatic system (immune system). Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma is one type of lymphoma; the other major type is called Hodgkin's disease.