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Lactate dehydrogenase (LDH): An enzyme found in the blood and many body tissues such as the liver, kidney, brain, and lungs. LDH levels are determined by a simple blood test. Elevated levels of LDH may indicate the presence of metastatic disease.
Lentigines: plural form of lentigo.
Lentigo: A flat, brown, small, or sometimes large, spot that is associated with aging or sun-damaged skin. Also known as sunspots, age spots, or liver spots, although they have no relation to the liver or liver function.
Lentigo maligna melanoma: Melanoma arising from a lentigo rather than a mole, and representing about 5% of all melanomas. It occurs most often in older adults, usually on the face and other chronically sun-exposed areas. The melanomas are generally large, flat, tan-colored lesions containing differing shades of brown.
Lesion: Any benign or malignant growth. Skin lesions include benign growths such as moles and freckles, and malignant growths, including melanomas.
Local therapy: Treatment that affects cells in the primary tumor and the area close to it.
Localized: In the area of the primary tumor.
Lomustine (CCNU): A chemotherapy agent occasionally used to treat metastatic melanoma. It belongs to a class of chemotherapeutic agents called nitrosoureas.
Loupe: A hand-held magnifying lens used in skin examinations.
Lymph: The almost colorless fluid that travels through the lymphatic system and carries cells that help fight infection and disease.
Lymph nodes: Bean-shaped collections of lymphatic tissue that filter lymph, trap foreign bodies (including cancer cells), and fight infection and disease. Since lymph nodes receive drainage from tumor cells, they are potential sites for metastasis.
Lymph node capsule: Membrane of connective tissue surrounding a lymph node.
Lymph vessels: A network of vessels that circulate lymph and branch into all the tissues of the body.
Lymphatic mapping: A procedure in which a tiny amount of radioactive tracer is injected into the skin to map the way lymph drains from a tumor to its corresponding lymph nodes. Also known as lymphoscintigraphy.
Lymphatic system: The network of nodes and vessels that carry lymph throughout 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.
Lymphocele: A pocket of lymph accumulation at site of lymph node removal.
Lymphocytes: White blood cells that circulate throughout the body to recognize and fight infection and disease.
Lymphoscintigraphy: See lymphatic mapping.