Aa
Aa
A
A
A
Close
Avatar universal

angimyolipoma (size 10cm x 16 cm)

I am a biochemist working ironically for hematology lab for 28 years. We notify patients of sudden hemoglobin drops and here I was working till 7pm and 10pm had sharp stab on right side which felt like a muscle spasm which didn't ease up. My stomach area also swelled up and was hard. Upon arrival to ER, ultrasound was done and they found the largest angiomyolipoma they ever saw, occupying my whole right abdominal side up to my ribs, CT was just as horrible and done to find where bleeding was coming from. My hemoglobin dropped from 13.8 to 8.6 by 3pm the next day. I was given 2 bags of blood and hemoglobin stabilized at 11.0. Five days later, embolization was performed. I had postembolization syndrome and slowly pain lessened but 3 weeks later, hydroneprosis caused severe renal colic and my right kidney moved over to spinal cord. They operated to insert stent but found obstruction and couldn't place in side of back because of lipoma and possible bleed. Kidney functions 36 of 50 and new finding is UPJ obstruction. Could both the UPJ and tumor have caused hydronephrosis?
Does hydronephrosis go away in time on its own or stent needed, and will the tumor shrink with time...can you estimate how long that would take and would it affect organs just lying there for months? It liquified in small central area so far.(but grew from 10cm x 13 cm to 10cm x 16 cm).They said it was the biggest lipoma ever seen...can it turn cancerous????  Lipoma is part of kidney, to remove it is to remove right kidney and I am 48 yrs old, dr's don't want to do this. So far, they joked it's like having a pregnant kidney. I get bloated early eve. Also first scan didn't affect me, 2nd scan after injecting radioactive isotopes resulted one hour later in me having shakes, vomiting, and high temp of 39.6..they thought bacteremia and no association to scan reagent. Should I be scared to have another scan in a month...is it an allergic reaction or is it just coincidence? I returned back to work after 8 weeks off and no pain now. Thankyou for your response.
2 Responses
Sort by: Helpful Oldest Newest
Avatar universal
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
Hi,

Angiomyolipomas are generally benign lesions. An angiomyolipoma of 10x16 cm is considered to be a large AML.Most studies have classified AML's greater than 8 cm as large already.With regards to your question on whether this may be precancerous, AML's rarely do not behave aggressively.As I have mentioned ,they are benign growths as lipomas in other parts of the body are. However, one variant of the epitheloid type may behave aggressively. A biopsy may be done if applicable. However, in most cases this is not routinely done. You may want to discuss this with your physician.

In treating AML (allow me to use this abbreviation),physicians usually opt for a more conservative approach in managing the disease. The risk for complications seem to be higher when surgical removal is initiated.Selective angioembolization and nephron sparing surgery to retain the tissues of the kidneys seem to offer better results.Unless, you physician suspects that the lesion may behave unpredictably and more aggressively in the future, then total removal of the kidneys may be done.This does not seem to be your case.

With regards to the hydronephrosis,resolution of hydronephosis depends on the underlying cause. Your case appears to be secondary to an obstruction.The UPJ obstruction you have mentioned as well as the surrounding mass effect of the AML may have caused the hydronephrosis. The underlying cause of hydronephrosis has to be treated first and in your case this may  mean that the UPJ obstruction has to be addressed. It seems that placing a stent may be necessary.

I understand you are concerned with your reaction to the scan .You have presented with fever and vomiting which I understand may also be due to an underlying infection.However, were they able to get a blood culture done to confim the  diagnosis of bacteremia?  

I suggest you discuss this openly with your physician. Prior to administration of a scan patients are usually given doses of prednisone (corticosteroids) and benadryl prior to the procedure to prevent any of these unwanted reactions.

I do hope I was able to answer your questions.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Please let me know if I should fear having kidney scan next month due to possible allergic reaction.
I'd also like to know if angiomyolipoma of size 10cm x 16cm can turn cancerous one day?...since doctors don't want to remove it, to remove it is to remove kidney.
Can hydronephrosis go away on its own or is surgery to place stent obligatory?
Posted my story March 20 and I'd love to hear from you since you have answered others after my posting. Thankyou
Helpful - 0
Have an Answer?

You are reading content posted in the Urology Community

Top Urology Answerers
Avatar universal
Southwest , MI
Learn About Top Answerers
Didn't find the answer you were looking for?
Ask a question
Popular Resources
Discharge often isn't normal, and could mean an infection or an STD.
Dr. Jose Gonzalez-Garcia provides insight to the most commonly asked question about the transfer of HIV between partners.
A list of national and international resources and hotlines to help connect you to needed health and medical services.
Herpes sores blister, then burst, scab and heal.
Herpes spreads by oral, vaginal and anal sex.
STIs are the most common cause of genital sores.