Dictionary of Cancer Terms
View in Spanish: Linfohistiocitosis hemofagocítica
Hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HEE-moh-FAG-oh-SIT-ik LIM-foh-HIS-tee-oh-sy-TOH-sis)
A rare disorder in which histiocytes and lymphocytes (types of white blood cells) build up in organs including the skin, spleen, and liver, and destroy other blood cells. Hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis may be inherited or caused by certain conditions or diseases, including infections, immunodeficiency (inability of the body to fight infections), and cancer. Also called HLH.
Source: National Cancer Institute Dictionary of Cancer Terms, available at www.cancer.gov/dictionary.