Diseases & conditions A-Z List
Diseases & Conditions A-Z List - «L»:
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Lyme disease - what to ask your doctor
You may get Lyme disease when you are bitten by a tick that has been infected with the germ (bacteria) that causes Lyme disease. The disease can cause a “bull’s eye†rash, chills, fever, headache, fatigue, and muscle pain.
Below are some questions you may want to ask your doctor o...
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Lyme disease antibody
Lyme disease antibody tests are used to help diagnose Lyme disease.
How the Test is Performed
Blood is typically drawn from a vein, usually from the inside of the elbow or the back of the hand. The site is cleaned with germ-killing medicine (antiseptic). The health care provider wraps an elastic ba...
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Lymph node biopsy
Lymph node biopsy is a test in which a lymph node or a piece of a lymph node is removed for examination under a microscope.
The lymphatic system is made up of lymph nodes connected by lymph vessels. The nodes produce white blood cells (lymphocytes) that fight infections. When an infection is present...
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Lymph node culture
Lymph node culture is a laboratory test performed on a lymph node to identify microorganisms (bacteria, viruses, and fungi) that cause infection and lymph node swelling.
How the Test is Performed
A sample of fluid from a lymph node is needed. This may be done using a needle to draw out fluid (aspir...
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Lymph system
The lymph system is a network of organs, lymph nodes, lymph ducts, and lymph vessels that produce and transport lymph from tissues to the bloodstream. The lymph system is a major component of the body's immune system.
Information
Lymph is a clear-to-white fluid made of:
Fluid from the intestines ...
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Lymphadenitis
Lymphadenitis is an infection of the lymph nodes (also called lymph glands). It is a common complication of certain bacterial infections.
Causes
The lymph system is a network of organs, lymph nodes, lymph ducts, and lymph vessels (or channels) that produce and move a fluid called lymph from tissues...
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Lymphangiogram
A lymphangiogram is a special x-ray of the lymph nodes and lymph vessels. Lymph nodes produce white blood cells (lymphocytes) that help fight infections. The lymph nodes also filter and trap cancer cells.
The lymph nodes and vessels are not usually seen on a normal x-ray, so a dye or radioisotope (r...
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Lymphangitis
Lymphangitis is an infection of the lymph vessels (channels). It is a common complication of certain bacterial infections.
See also: Lymphadenitis
Causes
The lymph system is a network of organs, lymph nodes, lymph ducts, and lymph vessels (or channels) that produce and move a fluid called lymph fr...
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Lymphatic obstruction
Lymphatic obstruction is a blockage of the lymph vessels that drain fluid from tissues throughout the body and allow immune cells to travel where they are needed. Lymphatic obstruction may cause lymphedema, which means swelling due to a blockage of the lymph passages.
Causes
The most common reason ...
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Lymphedema
Lymphedema is the build-up of fluids in your body. It can cause an arm or leg to swell up and become painful.
What to Expect
Lymphedema may start 6 to 8 weeks after surgery or after radiation treatment for cancer.
It can also start very slowly after your cancer treatment is over. You may not notice...
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Lymphofollicular hyperplasia
Lymphofollicular hyperplasia is an increase in the size of the lymph node follicles. These follicles contain normal white blood cells called lymphocytes. Your body produces more lymphocytes to help the lymph nodes prevent bacteria, viruses, and other types of germs from entering the bloodstream.
See...
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Lymphogranuloma venereum
Lymphogranuloma venereum (LGV) is a sexually transmitted bacterial infection.
Causes
Lymphogranuloma venereum (LGV) is a chronic (long-term) infection of the lymphatic system caused by three different types of the bacteria Chlamydia trachomatis. The bacteria spread through sexual contact. The infec...
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Lymphoid hyperplasia
Lymphoid hyperplasia is a rapid increase in the number of normal cells (called lymphocytes) that are contained in lymph nodes.
These cells increase in number to help lymph nodes prevent bacteria, viruses, and other types of germs from entering the bloodstream.
Alternative Names
Lymphoid hypertrophy...