What is angiomyolipoma?

An angiomyolipoma is a noncancerous (benign) tumor that usually forms in the kidney. The name sounds complicated, but it just describes the mix of things inside the tumor: blood vessels (angio), muscle (myo), and fat (lipo). Most of the time, people don’t even know they have one because it causes no symptoms and is found by accident during a scan for something else.

Causes of angiomyolipoma

Doctors aren’t always sure why angiomyolipomas develop, but possible causes include:

  • A rare genetic condition called tuberous sclerosis
  • Hormonal changes (more common in women, especially during pregnancy)
  • Random growths with no known cause

Risk factors for angiomyolipoma

You may be more likely to have an angiomyolipoma if you:

  • Have tuberous sclerosis, a condition that causes tumors in many parts of the body
  • Are female (women are more likely to get them)
  • Are between the ages of 30 and 50
  • Have had one before

Symptoms of angiomyolipoma

Most angiomyolipomas don’t cause symptoms. But if the tumor is large or bleeds, you might experience:

  • Pain in the side, back, or belly
  • Blood in your urine
  • A lump you can feel near your kidney
  • Feeling tired or dizzy if there’s bleeding inside the kidney

Diagnosing angiomyolipoma

To find out if you have an angiomyolipoma, doctors may:

  • Use imaging tests like an ultrasound, CT scan, or MRI
  • Check your urine for blood
  • Do blood tests to look at kidney function
  • Monitor the size of the tumor over time

Treatment of angiomyolipoma

Treatment depends on the size and whether it causes problems. Options may include:

  • Regular checkups and imaging to watch the tumor if it’s small and not causing symptoms
  • Medication to shrink the tumor, especially in people with tuberous sclerosis
  • Surgery or a procedure to stop bleeding if the tumor gets too big or starts causing issues
  • Removing the tumor or part of the kidney in rare cases

 

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