Glossary of Cancer Terms - I-L

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in situ cancer - early cancer that has not invaded surrounding tissue.

indirect laryngoscopy - a small, long-handled mirror is inserted in the back of the patient's throat to check for abnormal areas and to see if the vocal cords move as they should.

inguinal orchiectomy - an operation in which the testicle is removed through an incision in the groin.

interferon - a biological response modifier (a substance that can improve the body's natural response to infection and diseases). Interferons impede the division of cancer cells and can slow tumor growth. There are several types of interferons, including interferon- alpha, -beta, and –gamma. These substances are normally produced by the body. They are also made in the laboratory for use in treating some cancers and other diseases.

intraperitoneal - within the peritoneal cavity (the area that contains the abdominal organs).

intraperitoneal chemotherapy - treatment in which anticancer drugs are put directly into the peritoneal cavity through a thin tube.

intravenous pyelogram - IVP- a special dye is put in the blood stream and X-rays are taken to obtain a picture of the kidneys, ureters, and urinary bladder.

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jaundice - a condition in which the skin and the whites of the eyes become yellow, urine darkens, and stool becomes clay colored. Jaundice occurs when the liver is not working properly or when a bile duct is blocked.

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kidneys - a pair of organs in the abdomen that remove waste from the blood (as urine), produce erythropoietin (a substance that stimulates red blood cell production), and play a role in blood pressure regulation.

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laparoscope - a thin, lighted tube used to look at tissues and organs inside the abdomen.

laparoscopic - assisted surgery- surgery done with the aid of a laparoscope (a thin, lighted tube). Tissue can be removed from the abdomen or chest through a small incision.

laparoscopy - the insertion of a thin, lighted tube (called a laparoscope) through the abdominal or chest wall to inspect the organs inside and remove tissue samples.

laparotomy - a surgical incision made in the wall of the abdomen.

large cell carcinomas - a group of lung cancers in which the cells are large and look abnormal when viewed under a microscope.

laryngectomy - an operation to remove all or part of the larynx (voice box.)

laryngoscope - a thin, lighted tube used to examine the larynx.

laryngoscopy - examination of the larynx with a mirror (indirect laryngoscopy) or a laryngoscope (direct laryngoscopy).

larynx - the area of the throat containing the vocal cords and used for breathing, swallowing, and talking.

laser therapy - the use of an intensely powerful beam of light to kill cancer cells.

leukemia - cancer of blood-forming tissue.

Leydig cell tumors - a main type of stromal tumor of the testes. Develops from the cells that normally produce the male sex hormone, androgen. Leydig cell tumors rarely spread to other areas of the body, but when they do intensive chemotherapy is required.

lobe - a portion of an organ such as the liver, lung, breast, or brain.

lobectomy - the removal of a lobe.

lobular carcinoma in situ - LCIS- a very early type of breast cancer that develops within the milk-producing glands (lobules) of the breast and does not penetrate through the walls of the lobules. Researchers think that most cases of lobular carcinoma in situ do not progress to invasive lobular cancer. However, having this type of cancer places a woman at increased risk or developing an invasive breast cancer later in life. For this reason, it's important for woman with lobular carcinoma in situ to have a physical examination three times a year and a yearly mammogram.

lobule - the glands in a woman's breasts that produce milk.

local therapy - treatment that affects cells in the tumor and the area close to it.

loop electrosurgical excision procedure - LEEP- an electrical wire loop is used to slice off a thin round area of tissue.

lumpectomy - surgery to remove the tumor and a small amount of normal tissue around it.

lymph - the almost colorless fluid that travels through the lymphatic system and carries cells that help fight infection and disease. Also called lymphatic fluid.

lymph node - a rounded mass of lymphatic tissue that is surrounded by a capsule of connective tissue. Also known as a lymph gland. Lymph nodes are spread out along lymphatic vessels throughout the body and many contain lymphocytes, which filter the lymphatic fluid (lymph).

lymphangiography - an x-ray study of the lymphatic system. A dye is injected into a lymphatic vessel and travels throughout the lymphatic system. The dye outlines the lymphatic vessels and organs on the x-ray. (Not routinely performed anymore.)

lymphatic system - the tissues and organs that produce, store, and carry white blood cells that fight infection and other diseases. This system includes the bone marrow, spleen, thymus, lymph nodes, and network of thin tubes that carry lymph and white blood cells. These tubes branch, like blood vessels, into all the tissues of the body.

lymphatic tissue - a structure found within the lymphatic system that consists of lymphocytes within a network of fibers.

lymphocytes - a type of white blood cell. Lymphocytes have a number of roles in the immune system, including the production of antibodies and other substances that fight infection and diseases.

lymphocytic - referring to lymphocytes, a type of white blood cell.

lymphoepithelioma - A type of cancer that begins in the tissues covering the nasopharynx (the upper part of the throat behind the nose).

lymphoma - a cancer of the lymphatic system. 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.

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