LAM - Signs, Symptoms, and Complications - Signs, Symptoms, and Complications

The most common signs and symptoms are:

• Chest pain or aches that may worsen when you breathe in
• fatigue
• Frequent cough that may occur with bloody phlegm
• Lymph nodes that are larger than normal. These usually occur in the abdomen or the chest. Very rarely, larger than normal lymph nodes may occur in locations where they can be felt, or palpated, such as the neck or under the arms.
• pneumothorax or collapsed lung. This potentially life-threatening condition can be a sign as well as a complication of LAM. Pneumothorax occurs when air leaks out of the lung and into the space between the lung and chest wall, an area called the pleural space. In LAM, a pneumothorax can occur if lung cysts rupture through the lining of a lung. Air that collects in the space between the lung and chest wall must be removed to reinflate the lung.
• Shortness of breath that at first may occur only during high-energy activities but over time may happen after simple activities such as dressing and showering
• Wheezing or a whistling sound when you breathe

Complications of LAM can be serious and life threatening. Possible complications include the following:

• Kidney or other tumor . Many women who have LAM get tumors in their kidneys. Women who have LAM may also develop large tumors in the lymph nodes or in other organs such as the liver.
• Pleural effusions. This condition can occur if bodily fluids collect in the pleural space between the lung and the chest wall. The fluid may contain a milky substance called chylothorax. The excess fluid in the chest may cause shortness of breath because the lung has less room to expand.
• Pneumothorax
• Swelling or fluid buildup in the body. This can happen in the abdomen, pelvic area, legs, ankles or feet. Pain may also occur with the swelling.

• Diagnosis will discuss tests and procedures used to detect signs of LAM and help rule out other conditions that may mimic LAM.
• Treatment will discuss treatment-related complications or side effects.