Glossary
Our extensive collection of web-based and other resources for patients, families, and caregivers provides easy access to information on a wide variety of subjects related to pancreatic cancer.
There are currently 18 Terms in this directory beginning with the letter L.
Lanreotide acetate (Somatuline Depot)
One of the approved drugs for treating symptoms of pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors.
Laparoscopic ultrasonography
Procedure that uses a laparoscope, inserted through the abdominal wall, and is guided by ultrasonography.
Laparoscopy
Procedure during which a laparoscope is inserted through a small incision in the abdomen by which the internal organs can be viewed and tissue samples removed for examination.
Leucovorin calcium
A drug derived from folic acid that improves how well 5-FU, a type of chemotherapy, works.
Liquid biopsy
Tests on blood samples that look for pieces of tumor or tumor DNA circulating in the blood.
Liver
The largest solid organ in the body, situated in the upper part of the abdomen on the right side, the liver filters toxins out of the blood and synthesizes a number of important proteins and biochemicals.
Living will
One of several documents called advance directives that designate what kind of medical care a patient wants, or does not want, in the event the patient cannot speak for themselves.
Locally advanced
Cancer that is confined to the area around the affected organ but cannot be surgically removed because the tumor may be intertwined with major blood vessels and may have invaded surrounding organs. There is no evidence of spread to other areas of the body.
Long-term side effect
A negative physical response to treatment that continues for months or years after finishing treatment.
Low-dose computed tomography (LDCT)
A test that uses small amounts of radiation to make pictures of the inside of the body.
Low-dose rate brachytherapy
Treatment with radioactive objects that are inserted into a tumor and left to decay.
Lutathera (lutetium Lu 177 dotatate)
One of the approved chemotherapy drugs for pancreatic cancer, this radioactive drug binds to a cell receptor and enters the cell, allowing radiation to cause damage to the tumor cells.
Lymph nodes
Small, bean-shaped structures in the neck, underarm, groin, chest, abdomen, pelvis, near the pancreas, and throughout the body; they store white blood cells.
Lymphatic fluid
Fluid that circulates through the lymph vessels and empties into blood vessels in the upper chest.