Renal Angiomyolipoma (AML): Causes, Symptoms & Kidney Function

Renal angiomyolipomas (AMLs) are benign tumors composed of abnormal blood vessels, smooth muscle cells, and fat cells that can occur in one or both kidneys. While they can cause symptoms such as pain, bleeding, and rarely, kidney failure, the vast majority of AMLs do not lead to kidney failure or indicate that you are already in kidney failure.

The majority of AMLs are small and do not cause any symptoms or require treatment. However, larger AMLs can cause symptoms, including:

* Pain in the side or back

* High blood pressure

* Blood in the urine

In rare cases, AMLs can cause kidney failure by blocking the flow of urine or damaging the kidneys. This is most likely to occur in people who have multiple AMLs or who have a condition that affects kidney function, such as diabetes or kidney disease.

If you have an AML, it is important to see a doctor regularly to monitor the tumor and check kidney function. Treatment is usually only necessary if the AML is causing symptoms or is at risk of causing kidney failure. Treatment options may include surgery, embolization (blocking the blood supply to the tumor), or medication to control high blood pressure.