What Causes Angiomyolipoma?
September 27, 2018
Angiomyolipoma is a benign tumor of the kidney composed of smooth muscle cells, fat, and thick vessels. While it isn't cancerous, angiomyolipoma can still grow large enough that it impairs the function of the kidney. It can also cause blood vessels to dilate and eventually burst. For some patients, rupturing of the blood vessels is the first symptom of the tumor, and it can result in hemorrhaging, pain, vomiting, and nausea. This type of tumor usually affects the kidneys, but it can also be found in the liver or sometimes other organs.
In most cases, angiomyolipoma does not require surgery unless it causes bleeding or impairs kidney function. The following are the five most common causes of angiomyolipoma.