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K
Klinefelter's
syndrome
Men with this syndrome have an extra sex chromosome and do not produce
enough testosterone. It is a risk factor for breast cancer in men.
Also see in Resources -> Male
Breast Cancer.
L
Lesion
A general term indicating a change in the structure of any body
tissue, often used as a synonym for cancer.
Leukopenia
Decrease in the white cell count in the blood. White blood
cells help to fight infection.
Liver
Metastases
Breast cancer can metastasize to the liver,
which often presents as being enlarged or tender, and can be diagnosed
by a liver scan, ultrasound, CT Scan and alkaline phosphatase tests.
Liver
Scan
A radioactive tracer is injected into the bloodstream that enhances
the x-ray picture of the liver.
Lobe
A part of an organ such as the liver, lung, breast, or brain. Each
breast contains 15 - 20 lobes.
Lobular
Carcinoma In Situ (LCIS)
Abnormal cells found in the lobules of the breast.
This condition seldom becomes invasive cancer. Lobular carcinoma
in situ increases the risk of developing breast cancer in either
breast. Also see -> Stage
I Breast Cancer.
Lobule
A small lobe or subdivision of the lobes of the breast.
Local
Therapy
Treatment that affects cells in the tumor and
the area close to it.
Lumpectomy
Removal of a malignant lump with only a small amount of normal breast
tissue around it. Also
see in Resources -> Breast
Cancer Surgery.
Lung
Metastases
Because all the blood is filtered through the
lungs, breast cancer also spreads to the lung and pleura surrounding
the lung. Shortness of breath and a persistent cough are among the
symptoms. Scans and x-ray are commonly used for diagnosis, although
sometimes a lung biopsy may be advised for definitive diagnosis.
Lymph
The almost colorless fluid that travels through the lymphatic system
and carries cells that help fight infection and disease.
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 and they contain many lymphocytes,
which filter the lymphatic fluid (lymph).
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, and lymph
nodes and a network of thin tubes that carry lymph and white blood
cells. These tubes branch, like blood vessels, into all the tissues
of the body.
Lymphedema
A condition in which excess lymph collects in tissue and causes
swelling. It may occur in the arm or leg after lymph vessels or
lymph nodes in the underarm or groin are removed.
Also
see in Resources -> Lymphedema.
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