Warning Signs Of Angiomyolipoma

October 2, 2023

An angiomyolipoma is a type of benign tumor, and it usually affects the kidneys. Three cells make up this tumor, including immature smooth muscle, vascular, and fat cells. Experts do not know what causes these tumors to form. However, they believe a common progenitor cell mutation might be responsible. These tumors are often seen in patients with tuberous sclerosis, a type of inherited genetic disease. Certain other genetic conditions might also feature these tumors, such as neurofibromatosis and Sturge-Weber syndrome. There are treatment options, so it is important patients are diagnosed promptly. The first step in identifying an angiomyolipoma is to know the symptoms, so those who have risk factors can be on the lookout for them.

Back Or Flank Pain

Any issue affecting the kidneys has the potential to cause back or flank pain. The tumor could be putting pressure on another body structure to cause the discomfort. When this symptom occurs, it tends to come on suddenly. The severity varies, but for some patients, it can be debilitating. Doctors might recommend medications to alleviate the pain. Patients should track their pain and make sure that their doctor knows how frequent it is, and how often it occurs. Sometimes natural pain relief techniques can be used, but often specialized medical treatment is necessary.

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Anemia

When this type of tumor is present, one of the complications is blood vessel dilation. Should one burst, the bleeding could cause anemia. When this occurs, patients can experience weakness, irregular heartbeat, dizziness, cold feet and hands, fatigue, yellowish skin, shortness of breath, pale skin, chest pain, lightheadedness, and headache. If blood loss is responsible, transfusions are often used. Doctors will also typically replace fluids with intravenous hydration. When the kidneys are contributing to anemia, erythropoietin may need to be replaced. This is a hormone the kidneys produce in sufficient amounts when they are functioning properly. It works to ease fatigue and stimulate the creation of red blood cells. A synthetic version of the hormone can be injected into the body to replace it.

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Nausea And Vomiting

If the kidneys are not functioning properly, nausea and vomiting might occur. When vomiting is severe and frequent, the biggest concern is dehydration, particularly when the kidneys are involved as they are with this condition. Once a patient starts to become dehydrated, the following symptoms are possible: urinating less often than normal, dizziness, extreme thirst, confusion, dark urine, and fatigue. To combat dehydration, patients should be consuming sufficient fluids and electrolytes. In the most severe cases, this might require hospitalization for intravenous rehydration. Doctors may also suggest patients take anti-nausea medicine. Some are taken during episodes of nausea to calm it. Others might be used short-term to reduce the risk of nausea occurring.

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Hypertension

The kidneys play a major role in blood pressure regulation, so it is not uncommon for a kidney tumor to cause hypertension. No symptoms might be present to indicate blood pressure is high. If they do occur, they might include shortness of breath, nosebleeds, dizziness, or headaches. When blood pressure is high, the force of blood against the artery walls is increased. Since dilation and rupture of the kidney’s blood vessels are a concern with this condition, it is imperative to reduce blood pressures. Patients should reduce their intake of trans fats, salt, and saturated fats and increase the consumption of foods with potassium and eat sufficient whole grains, vegetables, and fruits.

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Shock

Shock develops in about twenty percent of patients. This can happen because of fluid loss due to bleeding if a vessel rupture occurs. This type of shock is the hypovolemic type and is a medical emergency. If left untreated, organs can start to fail due to inadequate blood profusion. Symptoms that warrant emergency care include pale and cold skin, shallow and rapid breathing, significant urine output reduction, weakness, blue nails and lips, losing consciousness, rapid heart rate, confusion, a weak pulse, and lightheadedness. Depending on the amount of fluid and blood loss, doctors may use several treatment methods, such as platelet, blood plasma, or red blood cell transfusions. Administering intravenous crystalloids might also be necessary.

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