Lymphomatoid granulomatosis

Overview

A rare, progressive blood vessel disease where nodular lesions destroy blood vessels - lungs, skin and nervous system are mainly involved.

Symptoms

* Premature death 70% die within 5 years of onset * Persistent rhinitis * Malaise * Fever * Cough * Severe weight loss * Coughing up blood * Seizures * Hypertension * Breathing difficulty * Chest pain * Diarrhea * Joint pain * Muscle pain * Discolored skin spots * Skin nodules * Skin ulcers * Respiratory distress * Ulcerative lesion * Nasal obstruction * Nose bleeds * Death of surrounding tissue * Destruction of surrounding tissue * Stuffy nose * Nasal pain * Perforated nasal septum * Destruction of facial tissue

Causes

Epstein Barr virus

Prognosis

There is no known cure. It is resistant to chemotherapy There currently is a protocol being run by Dr. Wyndham H. Wilson at the NIH. The experimental treatment involves the use of interferons.