Angiomyolipoma is a tumor comprising blood vessels, muscle, and fat commonly diagnosed in the kidneys. Although benign (noncancerous), it can cause discomfort and other issues. A health expert may remove the tumor if it grows large enough and cause bleeding. Angiomyolipoma rarely shows symptoms, but the condition can lead to complications like renal failure, urinary tract infections, blood in the urine, and anemia. Keep reading to learn more about the condition’s symptoms, causes, and remedies.

Angiomyolipoma
Angiomyolipoma of the kidney is also known as AML and renal angiomyolipoma. This benign tumor has the potential to cause hemorrhagic complications. Tumors can develop in either the cortex or the medulla of the kidney. Tuberous sclerosis can coexist in a small percentage of patients with this condition.

The symptoms of renal angiomyolipoma can vary depending on the tumor size. Each patient reacts differently to treatment; although some patients benefit from radical nephrectomy, others may benefit more from invasive wedge resection and partial nephrectomy. The prognosis is excellent due to the benign nature of this condition.

Warning signs and symptoms
Most cases of renal angiomyolipoma show no symptoms. However, when a person undergoes renal testing for another reason, the problem is usually discovered by chance. A less common cause of renal angiomyolipoma detection is retroperitoneal bleeding. It occurs when a part of the tumor breaks and blood leaks into the abdomen. Retroperitoneal hemorrhage is a severe problem that can be life-threatening. Common angiomyolipoma symptoms to watch out for include-

• Anemia
• Pain in the sides, back, or abdomen
• Hematuria (blood or blood cells in your pee)
• High blood pressure
• Kidney disease
• A visible lump
• Infection of the urinary tract

Causes and risk factors
The exact cause of angiomyolipoma is yet to be confirmed. Researchers believe a mutation in a normal progenitor cell causes these benign tumors. Angiomyolipoma tumors may also be associated with other diseases, such as Sturge-Weber syndrome, neurofibromatosis, and tuberous sclerosis.

Treatment
Angiomyolipoma can be treated with prescription remedies, active surveillance, and surgery if required. Angiomyolipomas with a diameter of 3 cm or higher necessitate treatment, even if asymptomatic.

Embolization is a treatment that can help reduce bleeding and is recommended for angiomyolipomas (4 cm or more in diameter). Benign and asymptomatic angiomyolipoma tumors should be routinely monitored with follow-up visits and tumor measurements because some can rapidly grow up to 4 cm.

The optimal course of angiomyolipoma treatment is determined by the patient’s overall health and the severity of the tumor. Most asymptomatic tumors do not demand surgical removal. However, a healthcare professional may decide to wait and observe after diagnosis. If the tumor is small, the only treatment option is prescription therapy. When angiomyolipoma symptoms appear, a doctor may advise one or more of the treatments listed below.

• Selective renal artery embolization- This minimally invasive procedure involves putting a catheter via an artery in the leg and inserting it into the renal arteries. The surgeon then administers treatments into the blood arteries surrounding the tumor to reduce the tumor’s blood supply and shrink it.
• A nephron-sparing surgery – This surgery removes the tumor while maintaining as much kidney tissue as possible.
• Complete nephrectomy- This technique removes the entire kidney.
• Cryoablation and radiofrequency treatments- These are two ablation methods. Tumor tissue is killed in these approaches by extremely hot or low temperatures.

The growth rate of angiomyolipoma
Conventional angiomyolipomas rarely develop at all. Even when these tumors do grow, it is usually very slowly. These tumors grow yearly by 0.19 cm or one-sixteenth of an inch. However, these tumors may grow faster during pregnancy. As a result, if you have an angiomyolipoma and are planning to conceive, it may be wise to treat the condition before becoming pregnant.

When to seek therapy
Some angiomyolipoma patients do not require any treatment. Factors like the tumor size, any symptoms you may be experiencing, and whether or not you intend to become pregnant influence the treatment strategy. You should see your doctor once a year to monitor the tumor’s development. The doctor may suggest treatment if the tumor is more than 4 cm.

Benign tumors called angiomyolipomas form in the kidneys and are often asymptomatic; health experts only detect them when they examine the kidneys for another health condition. If angiomyolipoma symptoms are present, doctors may suggest treatment to block the tumor’s blood supply or remove it. Sometimes, the condition may necessitate surgical removal of the tumor. The bleeding caused by the condition can be life-threatening; therefore, one has to watch out for the warning signs to consult a health expert for early diagnosis and prompt treatment.