Category: L

Diagnostic techniques for viewing the lung tissue. Several procedures allow a doctor to examine the lungs, including chest X rays, CT scanning (computed tomography scanning), MRI (magnetic resonance imaging), ultrasound scanning, nuclear scanning using radioactive contrast materials, and angiography. Methods for producing images of the lungs are essential in diagnosing lung diseases. A chest X-ray…

A tightening of the muscles that surround the lower part of the spine. Lumbosacral spasm can be prolonged or intermittent and is a common cause of back pain. It may result in temporary scoliosis, an S-shaped curvature of the spine. Treatment for back pain due to lumbosacral spasm depends on the cause, duration, and severity…

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, or ALS, the most common form of motor neuron disease. Lou Gehrig disease is characterized by progressive loss of muscle function. This prevalent form of motor neuron disorder is also recognized as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).  

A joint injury in which pieces of bone or cartilage break off into unattached fragments. Loose bodies usually cause pain, restricted range of motion, and increased damage to the joint. The fragments must be removed, usually by arthroscopic surgery, to restore the joint’s normal function and movement. Pieces of bone, cartilage, or the lining of…

Surgical removal of one lobe of a lung. The right lung is divided into three distinct sections, or lobes; the smaller left lung has two lobes. A lung lobectomy involves the removal of one of these lobes, leaving the person with more lung tissue intact after surgery than would be the case with complete removal…

Surgical removal of one lobe or part of the liver. The liver is the one internal organ that can regenerate; it grows back to its normal size within 6 to 8 weeks after surgery.  

Blood tests that assess the general health of the liver or biliary system. Abnormal results denote the possibility of liver damage or inflammation. Liver function tests, in combination with a physical examination and a medical history, are used to diagnose and plan treatment for a variety of liver diseases, including hepatitis (inflammation of the liver),…

A diagnostic procedure in which a needle is used to remove a small piece of the liver for testing. The tissue is examined under a microscope for abnormalities or to assess the damage to the liver. This procedure may be performed to diagnose cirrhosis, hepatitis, liver cancer, or other diseases. The removal of tissue from…

Cancer that usually occurs on the lower lip. Lip cancer is associated with long-term sun exposure and using tobacco and alcohol. A biopsy is required to make the diagnosis. A squamous cell carcinoma of the lower lip usually seen in men or smokers. A cancerous growth (often a squamous cell carcinoma) that typically occurs on…

Injuries caused by lightning from thunderstorms. Lightning strikes about 1,800 people per year in the United States. It is the cause of more deaths—anywhere from 100 to 450 each year—than any other weather hazard. Injuries can include severe burns, nervous system damage, broken bones, the cessation of heartbeat, and loss of hearing or eyesight. People…