Lymphangioleiomyomatosis (LAM) is a progressive lung disease that usually strikes women during their childbearing years. Lymphangioleiomyomatosis is pronounced lim-fan-gee-o-ly-o-my-o-ma-to-sis. “Lymph” refers to the lymph vessels and“angio” refers to the blood vessels. “Leiomy” means smooth muscle, “oma” is a tumor, and “tosis,” refers to a disease
condition.
LAM results in cystic destruction of the lung. It is characterized by an abnormal growth of smooth muscle cells. These cells invade lung tissues, including the airways, and blood and lymph vessels. Although these cells are not considered cancerous, they grow uncontrollably within the lungs. Over time, the cells form bundles in the walls of the airways, as well as the blood and lymph vessels, causing them to become obstructed. The delicate architecture of the lungs is destroyed and the airflow is blocked limiting the delivery of oxygen to the rest of the body.
The cause of LAM remains unknown, and although great strides have been made in researching the disease,
no cure is yet available.
condition.
LAM results in cystic destruction of the lung. It is characterized by an abnormal growth of smooth muscle cells. These cells invade lung tissues, including the airways, and blood and lymph vessels. Although these cells are not considered cancerous, they grow uncontrollably within the lungs. Over time, the cells form bundles in the walls of the airways, as well as the blood and lymph vessels, causing them to become obstructed. The delicate architecture of the lungs is destroyed and the airflow is blocked limiting the delivery of oxygen to the rest of the body.
The cause of LAM remains unknown, and although great strides have been made in researching the disease,
no cure is yet available.