Lactic Acid Dehydrogenase: One of a group of enzymes found in the blood and other body tissues, and involved in energy production in cells. An increased amount in the blood may be a sign of tissue damage and some types of cancer or other diseases. Also called Lactate Dehydrogenase.

Laproscope: A thin, tube-like instrument used to look at tissues and organs inside the abdomen. It has a light and a lens of the end for viewing. A Laproscope has tools to use to remove tissue.

Laparoscopy: A procedure that uses a Laparoscope inserted through the abdominal wall to examine inside the abdomen.

Laparotomy: A surgical incision that is made in the wall of the abdomen.

Latent: Describes a condition that is present but not active or causing symptoms.

Leukocyte: General term for a variety of cells responsible for fighting invading germs, infection, and allergy-causing agents. Also called a White Blood Cell. These cells help the body fight infection and diseases.

Leukopenia: A low number of white blood cells.

Liver Function Test: A blood test to measure the blood levels of certain substances released by the liver. A high or low level of certain substances can be a sign of liver disease.

Liver Metastisis: Cancer that has spread from the original (primary) site to the liver.

Low Grade: Cancerous cells look nearly normal under a microscope. These are least likely grow and spread rapidly.

Lymph Node: Hundreds of small oval bodies that contain lymph (white blood cells) they act as our first line of defense against infections and cancer.

Lytic: The damaged area of a bone that shows up as a dark spot on an X-ray when enough of the healthy bone in any one area is eaten away. Lytic lesions look like holes in the bone and are evidence that the bone is being weakened.

Lytic Lesion: Area of bone that has been destroyed do to cancer.