A melanoma that has evolved from a lentigo malignant. They are usually found on chronically sun damaged skin such as the face and the forearms of the elderly. The nomenclature is very confusing to both patients and physicians alike.
Glossary of Melanoma Terms - L
Lentigo Melanoma
Lesio
Any pathological or traumatic discontinuity of tissue or loss of function of a part.
Lymph Node
Any of the small, oval or round bodies, located along the lymphatic vessels, that supply lymphocytes to the bloodstream and remove bacteria and foreign particles from the lymph. Also called lymph gland, lymphoglandula, lymphonodus.
Lymphatic System
The interconnected system of spaces and vessels between body tissues and organs by which lymph circulates throughout the body.
Lymphedema
Involves blockage of the lymph vessels, with a resulting accumulation of lymphatic fluid in the interstitial tissues of the body. The lymphatic system consists of lymph vessels and lymph nodes throughout the body. The lymph vessels collect lymphatic fluid, which consists of protein, water, fats, and wastes from cells. The lymph vessels transport the fluid to the lymph nodes, where waste materials and foreign materials are filtered out from the fluid. The fluid is then returned to the blood. When the vessels are damaged or missing, the lymph fluid cannot move freely throughout the system but accumulates. This accumulation of fluid results in abnormal swelling of the arm(s) or leg(s), and occasionally swelling in other parts of the body.
