Warning Signs Of Angiomyolipoma

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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