Medical glossary for healthcare interpreters

L

Labyrinth 

organ of balance located in the inner ear; consists of three semicircular canals and the vestibule.

Labyrinthine hydrops

excessive fluid in the organ of balance (labyrinth) that can cause pressure or fullness in the ears, hearing loss, dizziness, and loss of balance.

Lactase

enzyme in the small intestine needed to digest milk sugar (lactose).

Lactase deficiency

lack of the lactase enzyme.

Lactose

sugar found in milk, which the body breaks down into galactose and glucose.

Laminectomy

surgical procedure which includes removal of a portion of the lamina, to provide more room in the vertebral canal; usually performed to treat disc herniation or spinal canal stenosis.

Landau-kleffner syndrome

a childhood disorder of unknown origin that can be identified by gradual or sudden loss of the ability to understand and use spoken language.

Language

system for communicating ideas and feelings using sounds, gestures, signs, or marks.

Laparoscope

thin tube with a tiny video camera attached, used to look inside the body and see the surface of organs. (see also endoscope.)

Laparoscopic cholecystectomy

an operation to remove the gallbladder. The doctor inserts a laparoscope, and other surgical instruments, through small holes in the abdomen. The camera allows the doctor to see the gallbladder on a television screen. The doctor removes the gallbladder th

Laparoscopic lymph node sampling

lymph nodes are removed through a viewing tube called a laparoscope, which is inserted through a small incision in the abdomen.

Laparoscopic lymphadenectomy

the removal of pelvic lymph nodes with a laparoscope through small incisions in the lower abdominal region.

Laparotomy

a surgical procedure that involves an incision into the abdominal cavity; often used when making a diagnosis when less invasive tests are difficult or not possible.

Large intestine

part of the intestine that goes from the cecum to the rectum.

Laryngeal neoplasms

abnormal growths in the larynx (voice box) that can be cancerous or noncancerous.

Laryngeal nodules

noncancerous, callous-like growths on the inner parts of the vocal folds (vocal cords).

Laryngeal paralysis

loss of function or feeling of one or both of the vocal folds.

Laryngectomy

surgery to remove part or all of the larynx or voice box.

Larynx

valve structure between the trachea (windpipe) and the pharynx (the upper throat); the primary organ of voice production.

Lavage

the process of washing (cleaning) of an organ such as the bowel or stomach.