LGD Awareness Day Date in the current year: May 26, 2025

The lymphatic system is a system of the body that complements the cardiovascular system and plays an important role in blood filtration, metabolism, and immune defense. It consists of lymphoid organs (bone marrow, thymus, spleen, lymph nodes), lymphoid tissue, and lymphatic vessels. Dysfunction or abnormal development of the lymphatic system has been associated with various diseases that can affect multiple organs and systems of the body.

Complex lymphatic anomalies (CLAs) are rare, progressive disorders of the lymphatic system that are usually present from birth but can manifest later in life. Their signs and symptoms can vary greatly depending on the type of anomaly and the areas of the body affected, which means that even patients with the same type of CLA can experience different symptoms.

CLAs include generalized lymphatic anomaly, central conducting lymphatic anomaly, Gorham-Stout disease, and Kaposiform lymphangiomatosis. Generalized lymphatic anomaly (GLA), formerly known as lymphangiomatosis, is characterized by lymphatic malformations in which the lymphatic vessels develop abnormally, resulting in fluid-filled cysts or masses. They can affect soft tissues, bones, and organs such as the spleen. Depending on the location, GLA can cause benign lumps, bone fractures, or fluid collection in the chest or abdominal cavity.

Central conducting lymphatic anomaly (CCLA) is characterized by dysfunction of the large lymphatic vessels in the trunk, resulting in fluid accumulation in the chest or abdomen, loss of lymph through the intestines, and swelling of the lower limbs.

Gorham-Stout disease (GSD), also known as vanishing bone disease or phantom bone disease, is characterized by uncontrolled proliferation of thin lymphatic vessels in the bone, leading to progressive bone destruction.

Finally, Kaposiform lymphangiomatosis (KLA) involves lymphatic malformation and uncontrolled cell growth (neoplasia). It is sometimes considered an aggressive subtype of generalized lymphatic anomaly. Unique features that distinguish KLA from GLA include rapid growth, bleeding, respiratory problems, and the presence of spindle cells under the microscope.

LGD Awareness Day is observed on May 26 to commemorate the birthday of Jana K. Sheets, who founded LGDA in 2007. LGDA (Lymphangiomatosis and Gorham’s Disease Alliance) is a non-profit organization that connects patients affected by rare and complex lymphatic anomalies with other patients, their families, healthcare professionals and researchers to provide support and hope.

The primary goal of LGD Awareness Day is to raise public awareness of CLAs and the challenges that patients with CLAs face every day, as well as to raise funds for patient support and CLA research. You can get involved by learning more about CLAs and sharing what you’ve learned with others, donating to LGDA or another organization that helps patients with CLAs or funds research, and spreading the word on social media using the hashtags #LGDAwarenessDay and #LGDAwareness.