Lymphangioleiomyomatosis

Lymphangioleiomyomatosis (LAM)

Lymphangioleiomyomatosis is a syndrome that results in the spread of abnormal smooth muscle cells (or LAM cells) through lung tissue and lymphatics leading to obstruction of small airways in the lung and lymphatic wall thickening. It is characterized by the presence of pulmonary cysts and angiomyolipomas, tumors consisting of LAM cells, fat tissue, and underdeveloped blood vessels. It is an extremely rare disease, found in fewer than 1 in one million individuals and typically affects only women of child-bearing age.