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Center for LAM Research and Clinical Care

At Mass General Brigham, we work to understand the causes of lymphangioleiomyomatosis (LAM) and develop new therapies. We offer you research-backed treatments, education, support, and access to clinical trials.
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World-class care

Comprehensive care for lymphangioleiomyomatosis

We specialize in individualized care for women with lymphangioleiomyomatosis (LAM), addressing your unique needs through a comprehensive approach.

We are leaders in women's health and home to the nation's largest thoracic surgery center. Our participation in a global LAM research network gives you access to clinical trials that offer the latest advances in treatment. You also benefit from our dedicated team of specialists in urology, nutrition, OB/GYN, mental health, and reproductive medicine.

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Part of Lung Care
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Our approach to LAM

We work closely with a team of specialists to address the diverse needs of women with LAM. Our clinicians will create your personalized care plan, including access to leading-edge clinical trials.
Understanding LAM symptoms

LAM is a rare disease that causes abnormal muscle-like cells to grow uncontrollably, causing lung and kidney damage. It almost exclusively affects women.

Symptoms such as shortness of breath or a chronic cough usually begin in your 20s or 30s. Lung damage can lead to lung collapse or fluid in the chest. Over time, LAM can block airflow and reduce oxygen levels. LAM also causes benign kidney growths and enlarged lymph nodes.

Treating lymphangioleiomyomatosis

There are two forms of LAM:

  • TSC-associated LAM: Occurs in 30% to 40% of women with tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC)
  • Sporadic LAM: Occurs in women who don't have TSC

LAM treatment focuses on managing your symptoms and preventing complications. Common treatments include:

  • Inhalers to improve airflow
  • Oxygen therapy and fluid removal to help you breathe
  • Procedures to shrink kidney growths
  • Lung transplant for advanced cases
Staying healthy
We encourage you to maintain a healthy lifestyle and stay as physically active as possible. Exercise supports your overall well-being and lung health. We may prescribe supplemental oxygen if you experience shortness of breath when you exercise.
Living with LAM
LAM is a progressive condition, which means that symptoms worsen over time. In the early stages, most women are able to maintain their daily routines. As the disease progresses, you may find activities like walking or climbing stairs more challenging. If your lung function decreases, you may need oxygen therapy.
LAM and pregnancy

Hormones like estrogen can make LAM worse. We recommend avoiding estrogen-based birth control.

Talk to your pulmonologist and OB/GYN if you're interested in getting pregnant. Pregnancy may be an option if you have normal lung function. We work closely with the Mass General Brigham reproductive medicine specialists to explore all your options safely.

Researching LAM

Finding effective therapies for LAM is challenging. We connect women, doctors, and researchers to accelerate the development of clinical trials and find new treatments. Our research initiatives include:

  • Developing new biomarkers to better predict how the disease progresses
  • Creating a supply of LAM cells that the research community can use
  • Pioneering a global network to share research data
  • Using innovative clinical trial designs to test multiple drugs at one time and speed up drug testing
Information for referring physicians
We offer comprehensive consultations, including second opinions and lung transplant evaluations. Our team also provides education on current research and opportunities to participate in clinical trials.
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Our approach

LAM conditions and treatments

We offer personalized treatments for LAM and expert care backed by the latest research to help you manage your health and improve your quality of life.
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Conditions and treatments

Our specialists

No matter what disease or condition you have, Mass General Brigham has specialists near you who can help.
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Mass General Brigham offers specialized programs and services to support your lung health.

  • Lung Care

    Receive advanced care for respiratory diseases and critical illnesses from leading lung specialists at Mass General Brigham in Greater Boston.

  • Interstitial Lung Disease Program

    Get care for pulmonary fibrosis at the Mass General Brigham Interstitial Lung Disease Program. We offer personalized treatment plans and clinical trials

  • Lung Transplant Program

    Learn about the Lung Transplant Program and our cutting-edge, advanced therapies used to treat patients with end-stage lung disease through transplantation.

  • Pulmonary Function Testing Laboratory

    The Pulmonary Function Testing Laboratory performs a variety of tests to aid in diagnosing and assessing the severity of lung diseases and monitoring the progress of treatment.

  • Pulmonary Rehabilitation Program

    Improve your quality of life with the Mass General Brigham Pulmonary Rehabilitation Program. We offer an exercise program, education, and support.

  • Pulmonary Vascular Disease Program

    The Mass General Brigham Pulmonary Vascular Disease Program offers diagnostics and treatments for pulmonary hypertension, right heart failure, and more.

  • Women's Lung Health Program

    The Mass General Brigham Women’s Lung Health Program cares for women’s unique needs. Get research-backed lung care for COPD, asthma, lung cancer, and more.

  • Cardiopulmonary Exercise Testing Lab

    The Cardiopulmonary Exercise Testing (CPET) Lab provides comprehensive testing for patients with a variety of heart and lung conditions to determine whether the heart, lungs or skeletal muscles limit exercise capacity.

  • Interventional Pulmonology Program

    Get less-invasive treatments at the Mass General Brigham Pulmonology Program. We treat lung cancer and other lung conditions without traditional surgery.

  • Eating Disorders Clinical and Research Program

    The mission of the Eating Disorders Clinical and Research Program at Mass General is to provide the highest-quality patient care, clinical research, professional training and public education about eating disorders.

  • Center for Sports Performance and Research

    Unlock peak sports performance with top-tier expertise and advanced recovery in Foxborough, MA, at the Center for Sports Performance and Research.

  • Center for Celiac Research and Treatment

    We provide lifelong care and conduct research to improve the lives of children and adults with celiac disease. Learn more about our celiac disease services.

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Services and programs

Contact the Center for LAM Research and Clinical Care

Call us to speak with a team member who can help you understand your options and guide you to the care that is right for you. With locations throughout New England and support for patients traveling from outside the United States, we make it easier to access coordinated, expert care.
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8664894056
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International Patient Services

Contact information for international patients

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