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