Mesothelioma Glossary L

Click on the letters below for an explanation of the glossary terms for each letter.

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Laparoscopy - a way to examine a tumor through a small incision in the abdominal cavity using a tube attached to a small video camera. A tissue sample may be taken at the same time.

Laparotomy - an incision in the abdominal cavity to take a tissue sample and, if possible, to remove most or all of the visible tumor

Latency period - the period from initial exposure to a substance to the development of symptoms

Lesion - another term for "tumor," an abnormal growth of tissue. They may be benign (not cancerous) or malignant (cancerous).

Lobectomy - a surgical procedure where the lobe of a lung is removed

Lumen - the cavity or channel within a tubular organ, such as a blood vessel

Lung Cancer - uncontrolled growth of abnormal cells in lung tissue. Asbestos-associated lung cancer usually starts in the bronchi (the tubes into which the windpipe divides), but it may also affect other parts of the lung. Smoking drastically increases the chance of developing lung cancer among asbestos-exposed workers.

Lymph - an almost colorless fluid that travels through vessels called lymphatics in the lymphatic system and carries cells that help fight infection and disease

Lymph node - sometimes referred to as lymph glands. They are small rounded or bean-shaped masses of lymphatic tissue surrounded by a capsule of connective tissue. Lymph nodes are located in many places in the lymphatic system throughout the body. Lymph nodes filter the lymphatic fluid and store special cells that can trap cancer cells or bacteria that are traveling through the body in the lymph fluid. The lymph nodes are critical for the body's immune response and are principal sites where many immune reactions are initiated. During a physical examination, doctors often look for swollen lymph nodes in areas where lymph nodes are abundant, including the neck, around the collarbone, the armpit (axilla), and the groin.

Lymphocytosis - an increase in the number of lymphocytes in the blood, usually associated with chronic infections or inflammation