Letter L
LATERAL CHEST X-RAY
Chest x-ray that is taken from the side of the patient. This is one of the two standard chest x-rays taken (1. PA chest x-ray and 2. Lateral chest x-ray)
LATERAL DECUBITUS CHEST X-RAY
X-ray taken with the patient lying on his/her side. It can be right lateral decubitus (lying right side down) or left lateral decubitus (lying left side down). It is commonly used to check for pleural effusions.
LATERAL RIB
This is confusing terminology. A rib wraps around the chest/back on each side. It starts from the back and goes to the front of the chest. Lateral rib refers to the part of the rib that is at the side of the chest. The anterior rib, lateral rib and posterior rib are not separate structures. They are different parts of the same rib.
LAXITY
Looseness. A process that can affect the ligaments in the spine leading to abnormal curvatures or scoliosis. Is usually part of the aging process and is referred to as “ligamentous laxity”.
LCIS (LOBULAR CARCINOMA IN SITU)
Abnormal cells in the milk glands of the breast. This is not cancer but is typically removed surgically. Women with LCIS have an increased chance of having breast cancer later in life.
LEPTOMENINGEAL
A process related to the meninges or the thin tissue covering of the brain.
LEPTOMENINGES
The thin tissue covering the brain surface or cortex. It is also referred to as the pia, or “soft” covering.
LEPTOMININGEAL CARCINOMATOSIS
A malignancy or cancer affecting the covering of the brain or spinal cord surface. It is usually related to a cancer that has spread or metastasized to the brain or spinal cord.
LESION
Abnormal tissue in the body. This can be caused by cancer, infection, inflammation, trauma, etc.
LESSER TROCHANTER
Inner part of upper thigh bone.
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