» Families Facing Cancer – Helping carers to cope with cancer

Leukaemia(Leukemia)

Anne Orchard — Fri, 24 Jul 2009 08:42:03 +0000

Leukaemia is a type of cancer involving the blood-producing cells of the bone marrow, which causes an abnormal build-up of certain types of blood cells.

Lung cancer

Anne Orchard — Fri, 24 Jul 2009 08:39:45 +0000

Lung cancer is a growth of abnormal cells within the lungs, which over time damages breathing ability. Smokers are at particular risk of lung cancer, but people who have never smoked can also develop the disease. Cancers are often slow-growing and have similar symptoms to other conditions.

Lumpectomy

Anne Orchard — Fri, 24 Jul 2009 08:37:05 +0000

A lumpectomy is a surgery for breast cancer where the whole breast is not removed (as it is with a
mastectomy). With a lumpectomy as much of the breast is kept as possible, and only the tumour removed. A lumpectomy may also be referred to as ‘breast conserving surgery’.

Lymphatic system

Anne Orchard — Fri, 24 Jul 2009 08:34:57 +0000

The lymphatic system is a system of vessels and tissue that transports a clear fluid called lymph around the body. Lymph nodes are part of this system and are sometimes removed during cancer surgery in order to check for or prevent spread of the cancer.

Lymphoblastic

Anne Orchard — Fri, 24 Jul 2009 08:32:36 +0000

Lymphoblastic means a type of leukaemia or lymphoma where there is a proliferation of cells known as lymphoblasts, which then crowd out make normal cells function less well. Acute lymphoblastic leukaemia is the most common type of leukaemia in children, and has a good rate of response to treatment.

Lymphoedema

Anne Orchard — Fri, 24 Jul 2009 08:29:23 +0000

Lymphoedema is a swelling of part of the body caused by accumulation of fluid as a result of a damaged lymphatic system. When someone has cancer this is brought on by deliberate removal of lymph nodes or by damage caused by radiotherapy. Most common in the arms and legs, it can arise shortly after treatment or at any time in the future. Simple steps for prevention can cut the chance of lymphoedema occurring.

Lymphoma

Anne Orchard — Mon, 20 Jul 2009 07:52:53 +0000

A lymphoma is a type of cancer involving a type of cell called a lymphocyte, which is part of the immune system. Lymphoma arises in the lymphatic system rather than within the bone marrow as in leukaemia.