Renal angiomyolipoma is a rare and benign tumor that affects the kidneys and is made up of fat, blood vessels and muscles, the causes are not exactly defined, but the origin of this disease could be related to genetic changes and other kidney diseases, even angiomyolipomas are more common in the kidneys, they can also come from other organisms in the body.
Most renal angiomyolipomas do not cause symptoms, but 4 cm can cause kidney bleeding and in these cases can cause widespread pain, nausea, increased blood pressure and blood pressure in the urine. In general, the diagnosis should be made if an imaging exam is performed. indicated for another patient, as the person will be referred to the nephrologist to define the treatment, after checking the size of the angiomyolipoma.
- In most cases angiomyolipoma does not cause symptoms.
- However.
- When large is possible.
- 4 cm can lead to symptoms such as:.
Pain in the side of the abdomen;
Blood urine;
Frequent urinary tract infection;
Increased blood pressure
In addition, symptoms are most common when this type of tumor causes kidney bleeding; In these cases, symptoms can include a sharp drop in blood pressure, severe abdominal pain, fainting sensation and very paleness.
The causes of renal angiomyolipoma are not clearly defined, but often the origin is associated with another disease, such as tuberous sclerosis. Renal angiomyolipoma can develop in anyone, however, women may develop larger tumors due to hormone replacement therapy or hormone release during embargo.
To confirm the diagnosis of renal angiomyolipoma, the nephrologist may order imaging tests, such as angiography, ultrasound, CT and/or MRI.
These types of tumors are easier to diagnose when they are composed of fat, in case of bleeding what is still contained is fat, since it is difficult to visualize in the imaging samples, the nephrologist may request a biopsy. Learn more about biopsy.
After testing, the nephrologist will define the treatment based on the characteristics of the injury. When angiomyolipoma is less than 4 cm long, your doctor monitors its growth annually, using imaging tests. Your doctor may also consider using medications to decrease tumor size, using immunosuppressive drugs such as everolimus and sirolimus.
However, if angiomyolipoma measures more than 4 cm causes more severe symptoms, embolization is usually indicated, which is a procedure aimed at reducing blood flow and in turn the size of the tumor; another option could also be to remove the angiomyoliposome and the affected part of the kidney, it is to prevent the rupture of the tumor from causing bleeding.
When renal angiomyolipoma causes bleeding symptoms, such as decreased blood pressure, pale skin, and withdrawal, it is necessary to go to the hospital immediately to confirm the diagnosis and if there is emergency surgery to perform bleeding.