What does LAM mean in medical terms?

What does LAM mean in medical terms?

Lymphangioleiomyomatosis (LAM) is a lung disease caused by the abnormal growth of smooth muscle cells, especially in the lungs and lymphatic system. This abnormal growth leads to the formation of holes or cysts in the lung.

What is LAM in TSC?

Lymphangioleiomyomatosis (LAM) is a multisystem disorder that primarily affects the lung. It can occur sporadically (sporadic-LAM) or in association with TSC (TSC-LAM).

What is LAM disease of the lungs?

What is LAM? Lymphangioleiomyomatosis is a rare disease that primarily affects women of childbearing age. An unusual type of muscle cell grows throughout the lungs, causing obstruction of airways, lymph vessels and blood vessels, preventing the lungs from providing oxygen to the body.

What is LAM cancer?

LAM is a rare form of low-grade cancer. Low-grade cancer cells look more like normal cells under a microscope, and they often grow and spread slowly. In LAM, myofibroblasts (muscle and fibrous tissue cells) move from the uterus through the lymph channels to other organs such as the lung and abdominal lymph nodes.

Can LAM affect men?

Lymphangioleiomyomatosis (LAM) is a rare lung condition that mainly affects women of childbearing age. Although it has been reported in men, it is extremely rare.

How does tuberous sclerosis affect the lungs?

Some women with tuberous sclerosis complex develop lymphangioleiomyomatosis (LAM), which is a lung disease characterized by the abnormal overgrowth of smooth muscle-like tissue in the lungs that cause coughing, shortness of breath, chest pain, and lung collapse.

Is there a cure for LAM disease?

There is no cure for LAM, but treatment can help ease symptoms, prevent complications and disease progression. Working with a pulmonologist who has experience treating LAM can help you find the treatment that is most effective for you.

Is LAM disease hereditary?

LAM is caused by the mutations in two genes, Tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC)1 and TSC2. The first form is hereditary and occurs in patients who have tuberous sclerosis.

How common is LAM?

LAM is very rare, affecting only 3 to 8 of every million women, usually when they are of childbearing age. Lung damage from LAM often results in pneumothorax, which can ultimately help doctors with diagnosis. A lung transplant may be considered for advanced cases.

What causes Lymphangiomatosis?

The cause, or etiology, of lymphangiomatosis is not yet known. As stated earlier, it is generally considered to be the result of congenital errors of lymphatic development occurring prior to the 20th week of gestation.