Lactation
The process of producing milk and breastfeeding a child.
Late-Stage Cancer (see Metastatic Breast Cancer in M)
Lesion
An area of abnormal tissue that has been damaged by an injury or disease, such as cancer. A lesion may be benign (not cancer) or malignant (cancer).
Lifetime Risk
The chance of developing a disease (like breast cancer) over the course of a lifetime (usually defined as birth up to age 85). For example, the lifetime risk of breast cancer for women is 1 in 8 (or about 12 percent). This means for every 8 women, one will be diagnosed with breast cancer during her lifetime (up to age 85).
Lobular Carcinoma in Situ (LCIS, Lobular Neoplasia in Situ)
When abnormal cells grow inside the lobules of the breast, but have not spread to nearby tissue or beyond to other parts of the body, the condition is called lobular carcinoma in situ (LCIS). Although the term LCIS includes the word “carcinoma,” LCIS is not invasive breast cancer.
Lobules
Ball-shaped sacs in the breast that produce milk.
Local Anesthetic
Anesthesia that only numbs the tissue in a certain area. The patient stays awake but has numbness (or no feeling) in the area treated with the anesthetic. See Anesthesia.
Local Treatment
Treatment that focused on a specific organ or limited area of the body, such as the breast or an abnormal growth on the skin. Examples of local therapy used in cancer are surgery, radiation therapy, cryotherapy, laser therapy, and topical therapy (medicine in a lotion or cream that is applied to the skin). Also called local therapy or localized treatment.
Localized Breast Cancer
When there is no sign that the cancer has spread outside the breast. In other words, the cancer is in the breast where it started and has not spread to nearby tissue, lymph nodes, or other parts of the body. Also called local cancer.
Local Recurrence (Recurrence)
The return of cancer to the same breast or to the same side chest wall.
Lump
In medicine, a lump in the body. It may be caused by the abnormal growth of cells, a cyst, hormonal changes, or an immune reaction. A mass may be benign (not cancer) or malignant (cancer).
Lumpectomy (Breast Conserving Surgery)
An operation to remove the cancer and some normal tissue around it, but not the breast itself. Some lymph nodes under the arm may be removed for biopsy. Part of the chest wall lining may also be removed if the cancer is near it. Also called breast-conserving surgery, breast-sparing surgery, partial mastectomy, quadrantectomy, and segmental mastectomy.
Lymph Nodes (Lymph Glands)
Small groups of immune cells that act as filters of the lymphatic system. They remove cell waste, germs, and other harmful substances from lymph. Clusters of lymph nodes are found in the underarms, groin, neck, chest, and abdomen.
Lymph Node Status
Shows whether or not cancer has spread to the lymph nodes. Lymph node-positive means that cancer has spread to the lymph nodes. Lymph node- negative means that cancer has not spread to the lymph nodes. See Lymph Nodes in L.
Lymphatic System
The tissues and organs that help the body fight infection and disease. The lymph system includes the lymph nodes, lymph vessels (thin tubes that carry lymph and white blood cells), bone marrow, spleen, thymus, tonsils and adenoids, and lymph tissue in the small intestine and other parts of the body. The lymph system is an important part of the body's immune system. It also plays an important role in maintaining healthy fluid levels in the body, removing cellular debris and harmful substances from the tissues, and helping the body absorb certain fats and other molecules. Also called lymphatic system.
Lymphedema
A build-up of lymph fluid in the tissues just under the skin, causing swelling and discomfort. Lymphedema can happen after surgery to remove lymph nodes or after radiation surgery to the area. Most often occurs in the upper limbs (arms, hands, or fingers), but can also happen in other parts of the body.