Lymphangioleiomyomatosis
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Lymphangioleiomyomatosis (lim-FAN-je-o-LI-o-MI-o-ma-TO-sis), or LAM, is a rare lung disease that mostly affects women in their mid-forties. In LAM, an unusual type of cell begins to grow out of control throughout the body, including in the lungs, lymph nodes and vessels, and kidneys. Over time, these LAM cells form cysts and clusters of cells, which grow throughout the lungs and slowly block the airways. They also destroy the normal lung tissue and replace it with cysts. As a result, air cannot move freely in and out of the lungs, and the lungs cannot supply enough oxygen to the body’s other organs.[1]
More than 1 out of every 3 people with LAM also develops growths called angiomyolipomas (AN-je-o-my-o-li-PO-mas), or AMLs, in their kidneys. People with LAM also may develop:[1]
- Growths in other organs, including the liver and brain
- Large tumors on their lymph nodes
There are two forms of LAM:[1]
- Sporadic LAM, which occurs for unknown reasons
- An often milder form of LAM that occurs in people with a rare inherited disease called tuberous sclerosis complex
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- More Detailed Information (Found: 6 Resources)
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eMedicine provides information on this topic. Click on the link to view this information. You may need to register to view the medical textbook, but registration is free
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The National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) provides leadership for a national program in diseases of the heart, blood vessels, lung, and blood; blood resources; and sleep disorders. Since October 1997, the NHLBI has also had administrative responsibility for the NIH Woman's Health Initiative. Click on the link to view information on this topic.
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The National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD) is a federation of more than 130 nonprofit voluntary health organizations serving people with rare disorders. Click on the link to view information on this topic.
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The Online Mendelian Inheritance in Man (OMIM) database contains genetics resources that discuss Lymphangioleiomyomatosis. Click on the link to go to OMIM and review these resources.
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Orphanet is a database dedicated to information on rare diseases and orphan drugs. Access to this database is free of charge. Click on the link to read information on this topic.
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PubMed is a searchable database of medical literature and lists journal articles that discuss Lymphangioleiomyomatosis. Click on the link to view a sample search on this topic.
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The National Organization of Rare Disorders (NORD) has partnered with Inspire.com to launch an online community for people with rare diseases called The NORD Rare Disease Community. This community connects medical patients, family members, caregivers, and professionals. Click on The NORD Rare Disease Community to learn more.
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RareShare is an online social hub dedicated to patients, families and healthcare professionals affected by rare medical disorders. Click on RareShare to learn more.
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ClinicalTrials.gov lists trials that are studying or have studied Lymphangioleiomyomatosis. Click on the link to go to ClinicalTrials.gov to read descriptions of these studies.
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