What Is LAM?

LAM, or lymphangioleiomyomatosis (lim-FAN-je-o-LI-o-MI-o-ma-TO-sis), is a rare lung disease. It mostly affects women in their mid-thirties and forties.

In LAM, abnormal, muscle-like cells begin to grow out of control in certain organs or tissues, especially the lungs, lymph nodes, and kidneys.

Over time, these LAM cells can grow throughout the lungs and destroy the normal lung tissue. As a result, air can’t move freely in and out of the lungs. In some cases, this means the lungs can’t supply the body’s other organs with enough oxygen.

Overview

There are two forms of LAM. Sporadic LAM occurs for unknown reasons. LAM also can occur in women who have a rare disease called tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC). Women who have TSC often have a milder form of LAM.

About 6 out of 10 women who have LAM develop pneumothorax (noo-mo-THOR-aks), or collapsed lung. In this condition, air leaks out of a lung and into the space between the lung and the chest wall (the pleural space).

This condition can cause pain and shortness of breath. Sometimes one lung will collapse over and over again. Pneumothorax is a serious condition that usually requires treatment and can sometimes be life threatening.

Normal Lungs and Lungs With LAM

Figure A shows the location of the lungs and airways in the body. The inset image shows a cross-section of a healthy lung. Figure B shows a view of the lungs with LAM and a collapsed lung (pneumothorax). The inset image shows a cross-section of a lung with LAM.

Many women who have LAM get tumors called angiomyolipomas (AN-je-o-my-o-li-PO-mas), or AMLs, in their kidneys. Women who have LAM also may develop:

• Growths in other organs, including the liver and brain
• Large tumors in their lymph nodes
• A buildup of fluid in their chests, abdomens, or pelvic areas

Outlook

LAM has no cure. The disease tends to worsen over time. How quickly the disease worsens varies from woman to woman. LAM may lead to death from respiratory failure. Lung transplant is a treatment option for women whose lungs have been damaged by LAM.

Not long ago, doctors thought women who had LAM wouldn't live more than 10 years following diagnosis. They now know that some women may survive for more than 20 years after diagnosis.

Doctors have learned a lot about LAM in recent years. They're now able to diagnose the condition earlier. Support services also are now available to help improve the quality of life for women who have LAM.

Researchers continue to explore and test new treatments for LAM.

September 2008