Granulomatosis, Lymphomatoid

Important
It is possible that the main title of the report Granulomatosis, Lymphomatoid is not the name you expected. Please check the synonyms listing to find the alternate name(s) and disorder subdivision(s) covered by this report.

Synonyms

Benign Lymph Angiitis and Granulomatosis
Malignant Lymph Angiitis and Granulomatosis
Pulmonary Angiitis
Pulmonary Wegener's Granulomatosis

Disorder Subdivisions

None

General Discussion

Lymphomatoid granulomatosis is a rare disorder characterized by overproduction (proliferation) of white blood cells called lymphocytes (lymphoproliferative disorder). The abnormal cells infiltrate and accumulate (form lesions or nodules) within the arteries and veins (blood vessels). The lesions or nodules damage or destroy the blood vessels. The lungs are most commonly affected in lymphomatoid granulomatosis. Symptoms often include cough, shortness of breath (dyspnea), and chest pain. Other areas of the body such as the skin or central nervous system may also be affected.

The abnormal cells in lymphomatoid granulomatosis are B-cells (B lymphocytes) containing the Epstein-Barr virus. There are two main types of lymphocytes: B-lymphocytes, which may produce specific antibodies to "neutralize" certain invading microorganisms, and T-lymphocytes, which may directly destroy microorganisms or assist in the activities of other lymphocytes. Because lymphomatoid granulomatosis is caused by the overproduction of abnormal B-cells, affected individuals may eventually develop B-cell lymphoma, a form of non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Lymphoma is a general term for cancer of the lymphatic system.

Resources

American Autoimmune Related Diseases Association, Inc.
22100 Gratiot Avenue
Eastpointe, MI 48021-2227
Tel: (586)776-3900
Fax: (586)776-3903
Tel: (800)598-4668
Email: aarda@aarda.org
Internet: http://www.aarda.org/

American Cancer Society, Inc.
1599 Clifton Road NE
Atlanta, GA 30329
USA
Tel: 4043203333
Tel: 8002272345
Internet: http://www.cancer.org

American Lung Association
61 Broadway, 6th Floor
New York, NY 10006
USA
Tel: 2123158700
Fax: 2123158870
Tel: 8005864872
Internet: http://www.lungusa.org

Rare Cancer Alliance
1649 North Pacana Way
Green Valley, AZ 85614
USA
Tel: 5206255495
Fax: 6155264921
Email: sharon.lane@rare-cancer.org
Internet: http://www.rare-cancer.org

AutoImmunity Community

Tel: (919)-55-2-9057
Email: bandrews@autoimmunitycommunity.org
Internet: http://autoimmunitycommunity.org

For a Complete Report:

This is an abstract of a report from the National Organization for Rare Disorders, Inc. ® (NORD). A copy of the complete report can be obtained for a small fee by visiting the NORD website. The complete report contains additional information including symptoms, causes, affected population, related disorders, standard and investigational treatments (if available), and references from medical literature. For a full-text version of this topic, see http://www.rarediseases.org/search/rdblist.html

The information provided in this report is not intended for diagnostic purposes. It is provided for informational purposes only. NORD recommends that affected individuals seek the advice or counsel of their own personal physicians.

It is possible that the title of this topic is not the name you selected. Please check the Synonyms listing to find the alternate name(s) and Disorder Subdivision(s) covered by this report.

This disease entry is based upon medical information available through the date at the end of the topic. Since NORD's resources are limited, it is not possible to keep every entry in the Rare Disease Database completely current and accurate. Please check with the agencies listed in the Resources section for the most current information about this disorder.

For additional information and assistance about rare disorders, please contact the National Organization for Rare Disorders at P.O. Box 1968, Danbury, CT 06813-1968; phone (203) 744-0100; web site www.rarediseases.org or email orphan@rarediseases.org

Last Updated: 10/23/2007
Copyright 1990, 1999, 2001, 2007 National Organization for Rare Disorders, Inc.

WebMD Medical Reference from the National Organization of Rare Disorders

Last Updated: October 23, 2007

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