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Leukemia
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Leukemia Cancer of white blood cells. Acute leukemias are characterized by the presence of "blasts," which are immature white blood cells. Large quantities of blasts generally overgrow the bone marrow, leaving very little space for normal bone marrow cells. This type generally requires immediate treatment. Chronic leukemias are those characterized by a large and uncontrolled growth of more mature white blood cells. These types of leukemias tend not to progress as rapidly, and treatment is often milder than that of acute leukemias.
RELATED TERMS--------------------------------------
Cancer
Any malignant growth or tumor caused by abnormal and uncontrolled cell division; it may spread to other parts of the body through the lymphatic system or the blood stream.
Blood
The life-maintaining fluid which is made up of plasma, red blood cells (erythrocytes), white blood cells (leukocytes), and platelets; blood circulates through the body's heart, arteries, veins, and capillaries; it carries away waste matter and carbon dioxide, and brings nourishment, electrolytes, hormones, vitamins, antibodies, heat, and oxygen to the tissues.
Acute
1. Of short course. 2. Severe, but of a short duration. Not chronic.
Blasts
"Immature blood cells. Leukemic blasts do not grow and age normally; they proliferate wildly and fail to mature."
Bone
Bone refers either to a hardened connective tissue or to one of the individual structures, or organs, into which it is formed, found in many animals. Bones support body structures, protect internal organs, and (in conjunction with muscles) facilitate movement; are also involved with cell formation, calcium metabolism, and mineral storage. The bones of an animal are, collectively, known as the skeleton.
Marrow
The tissue which fills the cavities of most bones; the medulla. In the larger cavities it is commonly very fatty, but in the smaller cavities it is much less fatty, and red or reddish in color.
Chronic
Ongoing or recurring. Chronic medical conditions include diabetes, epilepsy, and chronic fatigue syndrome.
SIMILAR TERMS--------------------------------------
Leukemoid
Like leukemia.
Leukeran
Leukeran is a prescription or over-the-counter drug which is (or once was) approved in the United States and possibly in other countries. Active ingredient(s): chlorambucil.
Leukine
Leukine is a prescription or over-the-counter drug which is (or once was) approved in the United States and possibly in other countries. Active ingredient(s): sargramostim.
Leukocyte
White blood cell.
Leukocyte (white blood cell)
Cells in the blood that seeks and destroys disease-causing microorganisms.
Leukocyte infiltration
Leukocyte infiltration refers to the process of moving or infiltrating of the leukocytes into the injured tissue to begin the repair process.
Leukocytes
White blood cells, the blood cells responsible for fighting infection.
Leukoencephalitis
Inflammation of the white matter of the brain.
Leukopenia
Reduction in the number of leukocytes in the blood.
Leukoplakia
Thick, white patches in the mouth that may become malignant.
Leukorrhea
White discharge.
PREVIOUS AND NEXT TERMS--------------------------------------
Leukemia
Leg
The portion of the lower extremity between the knee and ankle.
Limbic System
The part of the brain that is concerned with more primitive impulses and maintaining biological homeostasis.
Longevity
The percentage of the maximum life span that an organism will reach before it dies.
Luteinizing Hormone (LH)
The hormone released from the pituitary gland, it stimulates the production of testosterone in males and the production of progesterone in females. This hormone uses cyclic AMP as its second messenger.
RELATED TERMS--------------------------------------
Cancer
Any malignant growth or tumor caused by abnormal and uncontrolled cell division; it may spread to other parts of the body through the lymphatic system or the blood stream.
Blood
The life-maintaining fluid which is made up of plasma, red blood cells (erythrocytes), white blood cells (leukocytes), and platelets; blood circulates through the body's heart, arteries, veins, and capillaries; it carries away waste matter and carbon dioxide, and brings nourishment, electrolytes, hormones, vitamins, antibodies, heat, and oxygen to the tissues.
Acute
1. Of short course. 2. Severe, but of a short duration. Not chronic.
Blasts
"Immature blood cells. Leukemic blasts do not grow and age normally; they proliferate wildly and fail to mature."
Bone
Bone refers either to a hardened connective tissue or to one of the individual structures, or organs, into which it is formed, found in many animals. Bones support body structures, protect internal organs, and (in conjunction with muscles) facilitate movement; are also involved with cell formation, calcium metabolism, and mineral storage. The bones of an animal are, collectively, known as the skeleton.
Marrow
The tissue which fills the cavities of most bones; the medulla. In the larger cavities it is commonly very fatty, but in the smaller cavities it is much less fatty, and red or reddish in color.
Chronic
Ongoing or recurring. Chronic medical conditions include diabetes, epilepsy, and chronic fatigue syndrome.
SIMILAR TERMS--------------------------------------
Leukemoid
Like leukemia.
Leukeran
Leukeran is a prescription or over-the-counter drug which is (or once was) approved in the United States and possibly in other countries. Active ingredient(s): chlorambucil.
Leukine
Leukine is a prescription or over-the-counter drug which is (or once was) approved in the United States and possibly in other countries. Active ingredient(s): sargramostim.
Leukocyte
White blood cell.
Leukocyte (white blood cell)
Cells in the blood that seeks and destroys disease-causing microorganisms.
Leukocyte infiltration
Leukocyte infiltration refers to the process of moving or infiltrating of the leukocytes into the injured tissue to begin the repair process.
Leukocytes
White blood cells, the blood cells responsible for fighting infection.
Leukoencephalitis
Inflammation of the white matter of the brain.
Leukopenia
Reduction in the number of leukocytes in the blood.
Leukoplakia
Thick, white patches in the mouth that may become malignant.
Leukorrhea
White discharge.
PREVIOUS AND NEXT TERMS--------------------------------------
Leukemia
Leg
The portion of the lower extremity between the knee and ankle.
Limbic System
The part of the brain that is concerned with more primitive impulses and maintaining biological homeostasis.
Longevity
The percentage of the maximum life span that an organism will reach before it dies.
Luteinizing Hormone (LH)
The hormone released from the pituitary gland, it stimulates the production of testosterone in males and the production of progesterone in females. This hormone uses cyclic AMP as its second messenger.
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This dictionary contains 19186 terms.
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