What is a Renal Angiomyolipoma?

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What is a renal angiomyolipoma?

An angiomyolipoma (AML) is a benign (non-cancerous) kidney tumour that is a growth of abnormal blood vessels, smooth muscle, and fat tissue. These tumours are typically found in the kidney, are usually asymptomatic, but can sometimes cause pain or bleeding. They are the most common benign tumour of the kidney. They do not cause chronic kidney disease (CKD) or kidney failure.

What angiomyolipomas are made of (3 types of tissue)

Blood vessels: A component of abnormal and unusually structured blood vessels
Smooth muscle cells: A component of smooth muscle tissue
Fat cells: A component of adipose tissue, or fat.

Key characteristics

Benign: Angiomyolipomas are non-cancerous, although in rare cases, they can transform into cancer
Who gets them? Most are not inherited. They are more common in women
Location: They are most commonly found in the kidney, but can also occur in other organs
Commonly asymptomatic: Many are found incidentally during imaging tests for other reasons
Associated with Tuberous Sclerosis: About 50-80% of people with the genetic disorder Tuberous Sclerosis will develop angiomyolipomas.

Treatment

All cases should be discussed (or seen by) a urologist
Depends on size and symptoms
- Observation for small, asymptomatic AMLs
- Embolisation or surgery – if large, growing, or bleeding.

Complications

Size: As the tumour grows, it can press on surrounding tissues, causing pain or discomfort.
Bleeding: The blood vessels within the tumour – especially if >4 cm – can weaken and rupture, leading to internal bleeding, which can be a medical emergency