Lymphangiomatosis

Editor-In-Chief: Prab R Tumpati, MD
Obesity, Sleep & Internal medicine
Founder, WikiMD Wellnesspedia &
W8MD's weight loss doctor NYC
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Lymphangiomatosis
Synonyms
Pronounce	N/A
Specialty	N/A
Symptoms	Dyspnea, cough, chest pain, pleural effusion
Complications	Respiratory failure, chylothorax
Onset
Duration
Types
Causes	Abnormal proliferation of lymphatic vessels
Risks
Diagnosis	Imaging studies, biopsy
Differential diagnosis	Lymphangioleiomyomatosis, sarcoidosis, tuberculosis
Prevention
Treatment	Symptomatic treatment, surgery, medications
Medication
Prognosis	Variable, depends on extent and location
Frequency	Rare
Deaths

Lymphangiomatosis is a rare, non-malignant disease characterized by the abnormal growth of lymph vessels. It can affect multiple organs in the body, including the lungs, liver, spleen, and bones. The disease is most commonly diagnosed in children and young adults, but it can occur at any age.

Symptoms

The symptoms of lymphangiomatosis vary depending on the organs affected. Common symptoms include:

• Breathing difficulties
• Coughing
• Chest pain
• Abdominal pain
• Bone pain
• Fatigue
• Weight loss

Causes

The exact cause of lymphangiomatosis is unknown. It is thought to be a result of a developmental error in the formation of the lymphatic system.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of lymphangiomatosis is often challenging due to the rarity of the disease and the variability of symptoms. It typically involves a combination of medical history, physical examination, imaging studies such as CT scan or MRI, and sometimes tissue biopsy.

Treatment

There is currently no cure for lymphangiomatosis. Treatment is aimed at managing symptoms and improving quality of life. This may include:

• Pain management
• Physical therapy
• Surgery to remove or reduce the size of the abnormal lymph vessels
• Radiation therapy
• Chemotherapy

Prognosis

The prognosis for individuals with lymphangiomatosis varies widely. Some individuals may live a normal lifespan with few symptoms, while others may experience severe complications and reduced life expectancy.

See also

• Lymphatic system
• Lymphatic disease
• Lymphangioma