Dictionary

leukemia, nonlymphocytic See leukemia, myeloid.

leukemia, refractory Leukemia in which the high level of white blood cells does not decrease in response to treatment.

leukemia, smoldering See myelodysplastic syndrome.

leukemoid reaction A benign condition in which the high number of white blood cells found on a blood test resembles the numbers seen in leukemia. For example, infectious mononucleosis can produce a leukemoid reaction.

leuko- Prefix meaning white, as in leukocyte (white blood cell).

leukocyte A blood cell that helps the body fight infections and other diseases. Also known as white blood cell (WBC). See also blood cell.

leukocyte, polymorphonuclear A type of granulocyte that has a nucleus that is so deeply lobated (divided) that the cell appears to have multiple nuclei. Informally called a poly. Also known as neutrophil. See also blood cell; leukocyte; granulocyte.

leukocyte count A laboratory test performed to measure the white blood cell (WBC) count. See also leukocyte.

leukocytosis A condition in which the number of white blood cells is higher than normal.

leukodystrophy A disorder of the white matter of the brain. The white matter mainly consists of nerve fibers rather than nerve cells themselves, and it is concerned with conduction of nerve impulses.

leukodystrophy, globoid-cell See Krabbe disease.

leukopenia A shortage of white blood cells.