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Ileostomy: A surgical opening in the abdomen where the small intestine comes out to allow stool to be emptied into a collection bag.
Immunity (Immune System): The body's ability to fight infections and disease.
Immunosuppression: Weakening of the immune system causing a lowered ability to fight infection and disease.
Immunotherapy: The artificial stimulation of the body's immune system to treat or fight disease.
Infiltration: The leaking of fluid or medicines into tissues, which can cause swelling.
Infusion pump: A device that delivers measured amounts of fluids or medications into the blood stream over a period of time.
Injection: Pushing a medication into the body with the use of a syringe and needle.
Intramuscular (Lff): into the muscle.
Intravenous (IV): Into the vein.
Subcutaneous: The fatty tissue under the skin.
Interferon: A natural chemical released by the body in response to viral infections. Interferon can be artificially produced and used as a form of immunotherapy.
Interleukin: A natural or artificially produced chemical released by the body.
Laryngectomy: The surgical removal of the larynx.
Lesion: A lump or abscess that may be caused by injury or disease, such as cancer.
Leukemia: Cancer of the blood. White blood cells may be produced in excessive amounts and are unable to work properly.
Leukocyte: See White Blood Cell.
Leukopenia: A low number of white blood cells.
Lumpectomy: See Mastectomy - Segmental.
Lymphangiogram: A test to look at the lymph nodes.
Lymphatic system: A network that includes lymph nodes, lymph, and lymph vessels that serves as a filtering system for the blood.
Lymphedema: Swelling either from obstructed cancerous lymph nodes or from surgically removed lymph nodes.
Lymph nodes: Hundreds of small oval bodies that contain lymph. Lymph nodes act as our first line of defense against infections and cancer.
Lymphocytes: White blood cells that kill viruses and defend against the invasion of foreign material.
Lymphoma: A cancer of the lymphatic system. Doctors determine the different lymphomas by the type of cell that is involved in making up the tumor. Treatments depend on the type of cell that is seen. (See also Big Honkin' Drag.)
Lymphomaniac: Wild woman with an insatiable desire for toxic chemicals.
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