{"id":3410,"date":"2021-07-16T08:00:00","date_gmt":"2021-07-16T01:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/drsoaraweeurology.com\/?p=3410"},"modified":"2026-08-30T03:30:01","modified_gmt":"2026-08-29T20:30:01","slug":"%e0%a6%95%e0%a6%bf%e0%a6%a1%e0%a6%a8%e0%a6%bf%e0%a6%b0-angiomyolipoma","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/drsoaraweeurology.com\/bn\/2021\/07\/16\/angiomyolipoma-of-the-kidney\/","title":{"rendered":"\u0995\u09bf\u09a1\u09a8\u09bf\u09b0 \u098f\u09a8\u099c\u09bf\u0993\u09ae\u09be\u09af\u09bc\u09cb\u09b2\u09bf\u09aa\u09cb\u09ae\u09be: \u098f\u0995\u099f\u09bf \u09b8\u09be\u09a7\u09be\u09b0\u09a3 \u09b8\u09cc\u09ae\u09cd\u09af \u09b0\u09c7\u09a8\u09be\u09b2 \u099f\u09bf\u0989\u09ae\u09be\u09b0"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns coblocks-author-columns has-background is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-52275889 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\" style=\"background-color:#8C8C971A;padding-top:2.5rem;padding-right:2.5rem;padding-bottom:2.5rem;padding-left:2.5rem\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:25%\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-style-rounded\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"800\" data-attachment-id=\"7037\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/drsoaraweeurology.com\/bn\/new-photo-2024\/\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/drsoaraweeurology.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/New-Photo-2024.png?fit=800%2C800&amp;ssl=1\" data-orig-size=\"800,800\" data-comments-opened=\"1\" data-image-meta=\"{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;0&quot;}\" data-image-title=\"Dr. Soarawee Weerasopone \u2014 Board-Certified Urologist in Bangkok, Thailand\" data-image-description=\"\" data-image-caption=\"&lt;p&gt;Dr. Soarawee Weerasopone \u2014 Board-Certified Urologist in Bangkok, Thailand&lt;\/p&gt;\n\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/drsoaraweeurology.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/New-Photo-2024.png?fit=800%2C800&amp;ssl=1\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/drsoaraweeurology.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/New-Photo-2024.png?resize=800%2C800&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"Best Urologist working in Chonburi and Cambodia\" class=\"wp-image-7037\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/drsoaraweeurology.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/New-Photo-2024.png?w=800&amp;ssl=1 800w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/drsoaraweeurology.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/New-Photo-2024.png?resize=300%2C300&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/drsoaraweeurology.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/New-Photo-2024.png?resize=150%2C150&amp;ssl=1 150w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/drsoaraweeurology.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/New-Photo-2024.png?resize=768%2C768&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/drsoaraweeurology.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/New-Photo-2024.png?resize=12%2C12&amp;ssl=1 12w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/drsoaraweeurology.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/New-Photo-2024.png?resize=600%2C600&amp;ssl=1 600w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/drsoaraweeurology.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/New-Photo-2024.png?resize=400%2C400&amp;ssl=1 400w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/drsoaraweeurology.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/New-Photo-2024.png?resize=200%2C200&amp;ssl=1 200w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:75%\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/drsoaraweeurology.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Soarawee Weerasopone, Urologist<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.bangkokhospital.com\/en\/bangkok\/doctor\/dr-soarawee-weerasopone-2\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Bangkok hospital Headquarter, Bangkok<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"tel:+66880221445\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Samitivej Sriracha Hospital \u2014 Urology department: <strong>088-022-1445<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-layout-flex wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button is-style-outline is-style-outline--1\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link has-background-background-color has-text-color has-background has-link-color has-small-font-size has-custom-font-size wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/www.bangkokhospital.com\/en\/bangkok\/doctor\/dr-soarawee-weerasopone-2\" style=\"color:#1b4965\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Book a Consultation<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-social-links aligncenter has-normal-icon-size is-style-default coblocks-animate is-content-justification-center is-layout-flex wp-container-core-social-links-is-layout-3e41869c wp-block-social-links-is-layout-flex\"><li class=\"wp-social-link wp-social-link-wordpress wp-block-social-link\"><a href=\"https:\/\/drsoaraweeurology.com\/\" class=\"wp-block-social-link-anchor\"><svg width=\"24\" height=\"24\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.1\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" aria-hidden=\"true\" focusable=\"false\"><path d=\"M12.158,12.786L9.46,20.625c0.806,0.237,1.657,0.366,2.54,0.366c1.047,0,2.051-0.181,2.986-0.51 c-0.024-0.038-0.046-0.079-0.065-0.124L12.158,12.786z M3.009,12c0,3.559,2.068,6.634,5.067,8.092L3.788,8.341 C3.289,9.459,3.009,10.696,3.009,12z M18.069,11.546c0-1.112-0.399-1.881-0.741-2.48c-0.456-0.741-0.883-1.368-0.883-2.109 c0-0.826,0.627-1.596,1.51-1.596c0.04,0,0.078,0.005,0.116,0.007C16.472,3.904,14.34,3.009,12,3.009 c-3.141,0-5.904,1.612-7.512,4.052c0.211,0.007,0.41,0.011,0.579,0.011c0.94,0,2.396-0.114,2.396-0.114 C7.947,6.93,8.004,7.642,7.52,7.699c0,0-0.487,0.057-1.029,0.085l3.274,9.739l1.968-5.901l-1.401-3.838 C9.848,7.756,9.389,7.699,9.389,7.699C8.904,7.67,8.961,6.93,9.446,6.958c0,0,1.484,0.114,2.368,0.114 c0.94,0,2.397-0.114,2.397-0.114c0.485-0.028,0.542,0.684,0.057,0.741c0,0-0.488,0.057-1.029,0.085l3.249,9.665l0.897-2.996 C17.841,13.284,18.069,12.316,18.069,11.546z M19.889,7.686c0.039,0.286,0.06,0.593,0.06,0.924c0,0.912-0.171,1.938-0.684,3.22 l-2.746,7.94c2.673-1.558,4.47-4.454,4.47-7.771C20.991,10.436,20.591,8.967,19.889,7.686z M12,22C6.486,22,2,17.514,2,12 C2,6.486,6.486,2,12,2c5.514,0,10,4.486,10,10C22,17.514,17.514,22,12,22z\"><\/path><\/svg><span class=\"wp-block-social-link-label screen-reader-text\">\u0993\u09df\u09be\u09b0\u09cd\u09a1\u09aa\u09cd\u09b0\u09c7\u09b8<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n\n<li class=\"wp-social-link wp-social-link-linkedin wp-block-social-link\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/in\/soarawee-weerasopone\/\" class=\"wp-block-social-link-anchor\"><svg width=\"24\" height=\"24\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.1\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" aria-hidden=\"true\" focusable=\"false\"><path d=\"M19.7,3H4.3C3.582,3,3,3.582,3,4.3v15.4C3,20.418,3.582,21,4.3,21h15.4c0.718,0,1.3-0.582,1.3-1.3V4.3 C21,3.582,20.418,3,19.7,3z M8.339,18.338H5.667v-8.59h2.672V18.338z M7.004,8.574c-0.857,0-1.549-0.694-1.549-1.548 c0-0.855,0.691-1.548,1.549-1.548c0.854,0,1.547,0.694,1.547,1.548C8.551,7.881,7.858,8.574,7.004,8.574z M18.339,18.338h-2.669 v-4.177c0-0.996-0.017-2.278-1.387-2.278c-1.389,0-1.601,1.086-1.601,2.206v4.249h-2.667v-8.59h2.559v1.174h0.037 c0.356-0.675,1.227-1.387,2.526-1.387c2.703,0,3.203,1.779,3.203,4.092V18.338z\"><\/path><\/svg><span class=\"wp-block-social-link-label screen-reader-text\">\u09b2\u09bf\u0999\u09cd\u0995\u09a1\u0987\u09a8<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n\n<li class=\"wp-social-link wp-social-link-mail wp-block-social-link\"><a href=\"mailto:bhquro@bdms.co.th\" class=\"wp-block-social-link-anchor\"><svg width=\"24\" height=\"24\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.1\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" aria-hidden=\"true\" focusable=\"false\"><path d=\"M19,5H5c-1.1,0-2,.9-2,2v10c0,1.1.9,2,2,2h14c1.1,0,2-.9,2-2V7c0-1.1-.9-2-2-2zm.5,12c0,.3-.2.5-.5.5H5c-.3,0-.5-.2-.5-.5V9.8l7.5,5.6,7.5-5.6V17zm0-9.1L12,13.6,4.5,7.9V7c0-.3.2-.5.5-.5h14c.3,0,.5.2.5.5v.9z\"><\/path><\/svg><span class=\"wp-block-social-link-label screen-reader-text\">\u09ae\u09c7\u0987\u09b2<\/span><\/a><\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<style>\n\/* Hover effect for Social Dr Pom Block - Social Icons *\/\n.wp-block-social-links .wp-social-link {\n  transition: transform 0.2s ease, opacity 0.2s ease !important;\n}\n.wp-block-social-links .wp-social-link:hover {\n  transform: scale(1.15);\n  opacity: 0.9;\n}\n<\/style>\n\n<div class=\"dr-pom-academic-icons\" style=\"display: flex; gap: 16px; margin-top: 12px; align-items: center; justify-content: center;\">\n  \n  <a href=\"https:\/\/www.researchgate.net\/profile\/Soarawee-Weerasopone\" \n     target=\"_blank\" \n     rel=\"noopener\"\n     title=\"ResearchGate Profile\"\n     aria-label=\"View ResearchGate Profile\"\n     style=\"text-decoration: none; color: #00CCBB; transition: transform 0.2s; display: inline-block;\"\n     onmouseover=\"this.style.transform='scale(1.15)'\"\n     onmouseout=\"this.style.transform='scale(1)'\">\n    <svg width=\"28\" height=\"28\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"currentColor\">\n      <path d=\"M19.586 0c-.818 0-1.508.19-2.073.565-.563.377-.97.936-1.213 1.68a3.193 3.193 0 0 0-.112.437 8.365 8.365 0 0 0-.078.53 9 9 0 0 0-.05.727c-.01.282-.013.621-.013 1.016a31.121 31.121 0 0 0 .014 1.017 9 9 0 0 0 .05.727 7.946 7.946 0 0 0 .077.53h.001c.024.115.06.262.112.438.243.743.65 1.303 1.213 1.68.565.376 1.255.564 2.073.564.8 0 1.536-.213 2.105-.603.57-.39.94-.916 1.175-1.65.076-.235.135-.558.177-.93a15.4 15.4 0 0 0 .063-1.207v-.512a.27.27 0 0 0-.273-.273h-2.95a.27.27 0 0 0-.274.273v.785c0 .228.0.343.273.343h1.337c.094 0 .14.045.14.137 0 .61-.063 1.043-.155 1.318-.182.546-.7 1.018-1.683 1.018-.654 0-1.135-.114-1.475-.356-.34-.244-.55-.585-.658-1.024a3.797 3.797 0 0 1-.111-.43 5.515 5.515 0 0 1-.06-.51 19.85 19.85 0 0 1-.025-.726c-.004-.28-.004-.628-.004-1.045 0-.418 0-.766.004-1.046a19.85 19.85 0 0 1 .025-.726 5.475 5.475 0 0 1 .06-.51 3.785 3.785 0 0 1 .111-.43c.108-.44.318-.78.658-1.024.34-.243.82-.357 1.475-.357.6 0 1.064.078 1.413.293.347.215.595.515.74.91.063.155.166.21.31.156l.967-.4c.15-.058.187-.18.13-.32a3.025 3.025 0 0 0-1.262-1.452C21.12.218 20.428.0 19.586 0zM8.512 4.32c-2.7 0-4.066.997-4.066 3.06v.04c0 1.92.992 2.83 3.046 2.83 1.27 0 2.038-.39 2.385-1.05h.13l.067.51c.04.2.207.34.41.34h.99V7.95c0-2.59-1.06-3.63-2.962-3.63zm-.18 1.61c1.118 0 1.628.56 1.628 1.86v.4l-1.65.16c-1.35.13-1.86.46-1.86 1.13v.04c0 .67.41 1.06 1.45 1.06.85 0 1.55-.32 1.93-.84.04-.06.13-.07.18-.02.05.03.07.1.07.16v.43c0 .26.13.42.34.42h1.05c.21 0 .34-.16.34-.42v-3.6c0-1.94-1.13-2.83-3.46-2.83-1.94 0-3.07.86-3.4 2.04l1.55.45c.18-.69.6-1.04 1.83-1.04zM2.135 16.314c-.587 0-1.066-.156-1.434-.469-.367-.312-.618-.704-.752-1.176-.034-.124-.061-.232-.082-.327a3.794 3.794 0 0 1-.044-.366 8.83 8.83 0 0 1-.022-.547C0 13.221 0 12.985 0 12.704c0-.281 0-.515.001-.704a8.81 8.81 0 0 1 .022-.547 3.802 3.802 0 0 1 .044-.366c.02-.094.048-.203.082-.328.134-.471.385-.864.752-1.176.368-.313.847-.469 1.434-.469.477 0 .892.087 1.246.262.353.175.622.443.806.804.044.083.083.157.117.222.034.066.069.144.105.235.022.054.011.099-.034.135l-.66.292c-.045.027-.082.013-.112-.045a4.043 4.043 0 0 0-.155-.27 1.247 1.247 0 0 0-.49-.495c-.225-.131-.522-.196-.892-.196-.402 0-.726.064-.972.193-.247.13-.422.302-.527.518-.027.045-.054.099-.082.16a1.39 1.39 0 0 0-.067.197 2.46 2.46 0 0 0-.05.282 5.51 5.51 0 0 0-.033.43c-.008.17-.013.376-.013.617 0 .242.005.448.013.618.008.17.02.314.034.43.013.117.03.21.05.282.02.072.042.137.066.197.105.216.28.39.527.518.246.13.57.193.972.193.4 0 .714-.07.94-.21.227-.14.394-.346.503-.617a2.43 2.43 0 0 0 .104-.395c.018-.123.027-.282.027-.477V13.2H2.34c-.04 0-.06-.02-.06-.062v-.5c0-.04.02-.062.06-.062h1.812c.04 0 .062.02.062.06v.5c0 .156-.005.296-.014.422a4.71 4.71 0 0 1-.04.342 1.732 1.732 0 0 1-.064.262c-.13.523-.402.913-.815 1.17-.413.255-.95.382-1.61.382z\"\/>\n    <\/svg>\n  <\/a>\n  \n  <a href=\"https:\/\/orcid.org\/0009-0004-8387-3559\" \n     target=\"_blank\" \n     rel=\"noopener\"\n     title=\"ORCID iD\"\n     aria-label=\"View ORCID Profile\"\n     style=\"text-decoration: none; color: #A6CE39; transition: transform 0.2s; display: inline-block;\"\n     onmouseover=\"this.style.transform='scale(1.15)'\"\n     onmouseout=\"this.style.transform='scale(1)'\">\n    <svg width=\"28\" height=\"28\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"currentColor\">\n      <path d=\"M12 0C5.372 0 0 5.372 0 12s5.372 12 12 12 12-5.372 12-12S18.628 0 12 0zM7.369 4.378c.525 0 .947.431.947.947 0 .525-.422.947-.947.947-.525 0-.946-.422-.946-.947 0-.525.421-.947.946-.947zm-.722 3.038h1.444v10.041H6.647V7.416zm3.562 0h3.9c3.712 0 5.344 2.653 5.344 5.025 0 2.578-2.016 5.025-5.325 5.025h-3.919V7.416zm1.444 1.303v7.444h2.297c3.272 0 4.022-2.484 4.022-3.722 0-2.016-1.284-3.722-4.097-3.722h-2.222z\"\/>\n    <\/svg>\n  <\/a>\n  \n  <a href=\"https:\/\/scholar.google.com\/citations?user=lTgsRMUAAAAJ&#038;hl=en\" \n     target=\"_blank\" \n     rel=\"noopener\"\n     title=\"Google Scholar\"\n     aria-label=\"View Google Scholar Profile\"\n     style=\"text-decoration: none; color: #4285F4; transition: transform 0.2s; display: inline-block;\"\n     onmouseover=\"this.style.transform='scale(1.15)'\"\n     onmouseout=\"this.style.transform='scale(1)'\">\n    <svg width=\"28\" height=\"28\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"currentColor\">\n      <path d=\"M5.242 13.769L0.5 9.5 12 1l11.5 8.5-4.742 4.269C17.548 11.249 14.978 9.5 12 9.5c-2.977 0-5.548 1.748-6.758 4.269zM12 10a7 7 0 1 0 0 14 7 7 0 0 0 0-14z\"\/>\n    <\/svg>\n  <\/a>\n  \n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-drop-cap wp-block-paragraph\">Angiomyolipoma (AML) is one of the commonest incidental findings I discuss in the clinic. It is usually picked up at a health check-up, which means the patient arrives having already been told there is a tumour in the kidney \u2014 and is understandably alarmed by the time we meet. So let me start where the conversation always starts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Angiomyolipoma is a benign renal tumour.<\/strong> It is reported in 0.2\u20130.6% of the general population and is most common in middle-aged women. Its causes fall into two groups.<\/p>\n\n\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\">\r\n{\r\n  \"@context\": \"https:\/\/schema.org\",\r\n  \"@type\": \"FAQPage\",\r\n  \"mainEntity\": [\r\n    {\r\n      \"@type\": \"Question\",\r\n      \"name\": \"What is angiomyolipoma (AML) of the kidney?\",\r\n      \"acceptedAnswer\": {\r\n        \"@type\": \"Answer\",\r\n        \"text\": \"Angiomyolipoma (AML) is a common benign kidney tumor composed of fat tissue, which allows it to be diagnosed by imaging alone without a biopsy. It affects approximately 0.2\u20130.6% of the general population and is most commonly found in middle-aged women. It is not cancerous.\"\r\n      }\r\n    },\r\n    {\r\n      \"@type\": \"Question\",\r\n      \"name\": \"What causes kidney angiomyolipoma?\",\r\n      \"acceptedAnswer\": {\r\n        \"@type\": \"Answer\",\r\n        \"text\": \"About 80% of angiomyolipoma cases are sporadic, meaning they occur without any identifiable cause. The remaining 20% are associated with genetic conditions such as tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) or pulmonary lymphangioleiomyomatosis (LAM).\"\r\n      }\r\n    },\r\n    {\r\n      \"@type\": \"Question\",\r\n      \"name\": \"What are the symptoms of kidney angiomyolipoma?\",\r\n      \"acceptedAnswer\": {\r\n        \"@type\": \"Answer\",\r\n        \"text\": \"About 85% of angiomyolipomas are asymptomatic and discovered incidentally during health check-up imaging. The remaining 15% may present with symptoms including spontaneous tumor hemorrhage, a palpable flank mass, flank pain, bloody urination, or urinary tract infection.\"\r\n      }\r\n    },\r\n    {\r\n      \"@type\": \"Question\",\r\n      \"name\": \"How is angiomyolipoma diagnosed?\",\r\n      \"acceptedAnswer\": {\r\n        \"@type\": \"Answer\",\r\n        \"text\": \"Angiomyolipoma can be diagnosed purely by imaging because of its unique fat composition. A non-contrasted CT scan is the gold standard for diagnosis. Ultrasound is commonly used at health check-up clinics but is less accurate for small tumors. MRI is an accurate alternative. Percutaneous biopsy is rarely needed.\"\r\n      }\r\n    },\r\n    {\r\n      \"@type\": \"Question\",\r\n      \"name\": \"When does angiomyolipoma need treatment?\",\r\n      \"acceptedAnswer\": {\r\n        \"@type\": \"Answer\",\r\n        \"text\": \"Angiomyolipoma smaller than 4 cm can be safely managed with active surveillance \u2014 regular monitoring without intervention. Tumors larger than 4 cm carry a higher risk of spontaneous rupture and bleeding, and may require treatment such as embolization or, in rare cases, surgery.\"\r\n      }\r\n    },\r\n    {\r\n      \"@type\": \"Question\",\r\n      \"name\": \"What are the treatment options for angiomyolipoma?\",\r\n      \"acceptedAnswer\": {\r\n        \"@type\": \"Answer\",\r\n        \"text\": \"Treatment options include active surveillance for small asymptomatic tumors, embolization as the first-line minimally invasive treatment for tumors larger than 4 cm (though it carries a 42.8% risk of post-embolization syndrome \u2014 a self-limited fever, flank pain, nausea and vomiting), surgery if malignancy is suspected, and thermal ablation techniques such as cryotherapy or radiofrequency ablation which are still emerging.\"\r\n      }\r\n    }\r\n  ]\r\n}\r\n<\/script>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-large\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"533\" data-attachment-id=\"3420\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/drsoaraweeurology.com\/bn\/2021\/07\/16\/angiomyolipoma-of-the-kidney\/charming-serious-middle-aged-blonde-woman-stands-crossed-hands-indoor-looks-directly-at-camera-being-confident-in-future-wears-casual-white-jumper-poses-determined-against-yellow-background\/\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/drsoaraweeurology.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/Middle-age-female.jpg?fit=1200%2C800&amp;ssl=1\" data-orig-size=\"1200,800\" data-comments-opened=\"1\" data-image-meta=\"{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;7.1&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;Canon EOS 5DS R&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;Charming serious middle aged blonde woman stands crossed hands indoor looks directly at camera being confident in future wears casual white jumper poses determined against yellow background.&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;1600423217&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;63&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;100&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0.00625&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;Charming serious middle aged blonde woman stands crossed hands indoor looks directly at camera being confident in future wears casual white jumper poses determined against yellow background.&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;1&quot;}\" data-image-title=\"AML most commonly found in middle-aged of female.\" data-image-description=\"\" data-image-caption=\"&lt;p&gt;AML most commonly found in middle-aged of female.&lt;\/p&gt;\n\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/drsoaraweeurology.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/Middle-age-female.jpg?fit=800%2C534&amp;ssl=1\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/drsoaraweeurology.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/Middle-age-female.jpg?resize=800%2C533&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"A middle-aged woman, the group in which renal angiomyolipoma is most commonly found\" class=\"wp-image-3420\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/drsoaraweeurology.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/Middle-age-female.jpg?w=1200&amp;ssl=1 1200w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/drsoaraweeurology.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/Middle-age-female.jpg?resize=300%2C200&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/drsoaraweeurology.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/Middle-age-female.jpg?resize=1024%2C683&amp;ssl=1 1024w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/drsoaraweeurology.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/Middle-age-female.jpg?resize=768%2C512&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/drsoaraweeurology.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/Middle-age-female.jpg?resize=16%2C12&amp;ssl=1 16w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Angiomyolipoma is most commonly found in middle-aged women.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Sporadic<\/strong> \u2014 arising on its own with no identifiable cause. This accounts for 80% of cases.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Genetic<\/strong> \u2014 associated with tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) or pulmonary lymphangioleiomyomatosis (LAM). This accounts for 20% of cases.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">That second group is worth pausing on, because it changes the conversation. If several angiomyolipomas are found, if they are in both kidneys, or if the patient is young, the question of an underlying genetic condition is a real one rather than a formality \u2014 and it matters, because such conditions involve more than the kidney, run in families, and are followed differently. If your scan describes more than one, ask about it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Around 85% of angiomyolipomas cause no symptoms at all and are found incidentally on imaging done for another reason. The remaining 15% present with symptoms.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-large\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"533\" data-attachment-id=\"3419\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/drsoaraweeurology.com\/bn\/2021\/07\/16\/angiomyolipoma-of-the-kidney\/flank-pain-2\/\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/drsoaraweeurology.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/Flank-pain.jpg?fit=1200%2C800&amp;ssl=1\" data-orig-size=\"1200,800\" data-comments-opened=\"1\" data-image-meta=\"{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;8&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;Shayne&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;Canon EOS 60D&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;1453827278&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;SHAYNE&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;60&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;100&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0.005&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;1&quot;}\" data-image-title=\"Flank pain is the example of symptomatic AML.\" data-image-description=\"\" data-image-caption=\"&lt;p&gt;Flank pain is the example of symptomatic AML.&lt;\/p&gt;\n\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/drsoaraweeurology.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/Flank-pain.jpg?fit=800%2C534&amp;ssl=1\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/drsoaraweeurology.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/Flank-pain.jpg?resize=800%2C533&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"A man holding his flank in pain, a presenting symptom of angiomyolipoma\" class=\"wp-image-3419\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/drsoaraweeurology.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/Flank-pain.jpg?w=1200&amp;ssl=1 1200w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/drsoaraweeurology.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/Flank-pain.jpg?resize=300%2C200&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/drsoaraweeurology.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/Flank-pain.jpg?resize=1024%2C683&amp;ssl=1 1024w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/drsoaraweeurology.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/Flank-pain.jpg?resize=768%2C512&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/drsoaraweeurology.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/Flank-pain.jpg?resize=16%2C12&amp;ssl=1 16w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Flank pain is one way a symptomatic angiomyolipoma presents.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Symptoms of a symptomatic <a href=\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/30039053\/\">angiomyolipoma<\/a><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Spontaneous tumour haemorrhage<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Palpable flank mass<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Flank pain<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Blood in the urine<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Urinary tract infection<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Bleeding: the one thing to take seriously<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Almost everything about this diagnosis is reassuring, and I do not want the reassurance to bury the one situation that is not. An angiomyolipoma is packed with abnormal blood vessels, and if one of them gives way the bleeding happens behind the abdomen where there is nothing to compress it. That can go from uncomfortable to dangerous quickly \u2014 it is the reason larger tumours get treated at all.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>If you have a known angiomyolipoma, go to an emergency department the same day \u2014 in Thailand call 1669 \u2014 for any of these:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Sudden severe pain in the flank, side or abdomen<\/strong>, particularly if it came on without warning<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Feeling faint, dizzy on standing, unusually pale, sweaty, or with a racing heartbeat<\/strong> \u2014 these are signs of blood loss, and they can appear before the pain becomes severe<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Heavy visible blood in the urine<\/strong>, particularly with clots<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>New or worsening flank pain that is not settling<\/strong>, even if it is not severe<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Tell whoever assesses you that you have a known angiomyolipoma and which side it is on. It changes what they look for immediately, and it is easily missed if nobody says it. This is also a good reason to keep a note or a photo of your scan report on your phone.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How it is diagnosed<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Angiomyolipoma can be diagnosed on imaging alone, which is unusual for a tumour. That is because it has a distinctive composition \u2014 it contains <strong>fat<\/strong>. Once imaging demonstrates a renal tumour containing fat, the diagnosis is effectively made, and no biopsy is needed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-large\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"533\" data-attachment-id=\"3422\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/drsoaraweeurology.com\/bn\/2021\/07\/16\/angiomyolipoma-of-the-kidney\/man-getting-ultrasound-of-a-abdomen-from-doctor-2\/\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/drsoaraweeurology.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/Ultrasound.jpg?fit=1200%2C800&amp;ssl=1\" data-orig-size=\"1200,800\" data-comments-opened=\"1\" data-image-meta=\"{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;Man getting ultrasound of a abdomen from doctor in hospital&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;1470133348&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;Man getting ultrasound of a abdomen from doctor&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;1&quot;}\" data-image-title=\"Ultrasonography is the most common widely use and cheaper.\" data-image-description=\"\" data-image-caption=\"&lt;p&gt;Ultrasonography is the most common widely use and cheaper.&lt;\/p&gt;\n\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/drsoaraweeurology.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/Ultrasound.jpg?fit=800%2C534&amp;ssl=1\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/drsoaraweeurology.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/Ultrasound.jpg?resize=800%2C533&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"Renal ultrasound examination being performed on a patient\" class=\"wp-image-3422\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/drsoaraweeurology.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/Ultrasound.jpg?w=1200&amp;ssl=1 1200w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/drsoaraweeurology.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/Ultrasound.jpg?resize=300%2C200&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/drsoaraweeurology.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/Ultrasound.jpg?resize=1024%2C683&amp;ssl=1 1024w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/drsoaraweeurology.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/Ultrasound.jpg?resize=768%2C512&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/drsoaraweeurology.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/Ultrasound.jpg?resize=16%2C12&amp;ssl=1 16w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Ultrasound is the most widely used and least expensive first look.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Ultrasound<\/strong> \u2014 the most commonly used modality. Cheap, no radiation, widely available; but operator-dependent and less accurate for small lesions.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Non-contrast CT<\/strong> \u2014 the gold standard, giving a definitive diagnosis; but involves radiation and costs more.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>MRI<\/strong> \u2014 an accurate alternative; but slower, expensive, and contraindicated in patients with certain metallic implants.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Percutaneous biopsy<\/strong> \u2014 rarely needed, and reserved for atypical cases, because it carries a risk of bleeding.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The words \u201catypical cases\u201d are doing real work in that last line, so let me unpack them. The whole diagnosis rests on seeing fat, and a minority of angiomyolipomas contain so little fat that imaging cannot demonstrate it. Those look, on a scan, very much like a kidney cancer \u2014 and that is precisely why a lesion which does not show fat is not simply assumed to be a benign angiomyolipoma. It gets investigated properly. If you have been told your tumour is \u201cprobably\u201d an angiomyolipoma rather than definitely one, this is usually why, and it is worth asking whether further imaging or a biopsy is planned.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-large\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"534\" data-attachment-id=\"3418\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/drsoaraweeurology.com\/bn\/2021\/07\/16\/angiomyolipoma-of-the-kidney\/doctor-checking-x-ray-results-2\/\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/drsoaraweeurology.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/CT-scan.jpg?fit=1200%2C801&amp;ssl=1\" data-orig-size=\"1200,801\" data-comments-opened=\"1\" data-image-meta=\"{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;Doctor checking x-ray results&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;1498572884&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;Rawpixel Ltd.&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;200&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;Doctor checking x-ray results&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;1&quot;}\" data-image-title=\"Anyway, CT scan with contrast is the definite investigation for AML.\" data-image-description=\"\" data-image-caption=\"&lt;p&gt;Anyway, CT scan with contrast is the definite investigation for AML.&lt;\/p&gt;\n\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/drsoaraweeurology.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/CT-scan.jpg?fit=800%2C534&amp;ssl=1\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/drsoaraweeurology.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/CT-scan.jpg?resize=800%2C534&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"CT scanner used for non-contrast imaging of a renal angiomyolipoma\" class=\"wp-image-3418\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/drsoaraweeurology.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/CT-scan.jpg?w=1200&amp;ssl=1 1200w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/drsoaraweeurology.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/CT-scan.jpg?resize=300%2C200&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/drsoaraweeurology.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/CT-scan.jpg?resize=1024%2C684&amp;ssl=1 1024w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/drsoaraweeurology.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/CT-scan.jpg?resize=768%2C513&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/drsoaraweeurology.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/CT-scan.jpg?resize=16%2C12&amp;ssl=1 16w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Non-contrast CT is the definitive investigation for angiomyolipoma.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Why 4 cm is the number that matters<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The evidence supports reassurance and observation for an angiomyolipoma <strong>under 4 cm<\/strong> \u2014 no intervention is required. Above 4 cm, the risk of spontaneous rupture and bleeding rises, and treatment enters the discussion. The options are active surveillance, embolization, thermal ablation and surgery; embolization is generally the preferred first-line intervention, with surgery reserved for cases where malignancy cannot be excluded.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Read that as a threshold for a conversation rather than a trigger for an operation. Passing 4 cm does not mean something must now be done; it means the balance between watching and treating is no longer obvious, and depends on your particular tumour, your symptoms, whether you can get to a hospital quickly if something happened, and what you yourself would rather live with. Plenty of people above that size are still simply watched. Ask what your own numbers are and what your urologist is weighing \u2014 this is a decision you should be part of rather than have handed to you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-large\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"533\" data-attachment-id=\"3421\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/drsoaraweeurology.com\/bn\/2021\/07\/16\/angiomyolipoma-of-the-kidney\/surgeons-performing-operation-in-operation-room-4\/\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/drsoaraweeurology.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/Operation.jpg?fit=1200%2C800&amp;ssl=1\" data-orig-size=\"1200,800\" data-comments-opened=\"1\" data-image-meta=\"{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;Surgeons performing operation in operation room at the hospital&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;1470109055&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;Surgeons performing operation in operation room&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;1&quot;}\" data-image-title=\"Surgery will be considered if malignancy more likely to be.\" data-image-description=\"\" data-image-caption=\"&lt;p&gt;Surgery will be considered if malignancy more likely to be.&lt;\/p&gt;\n\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/drsoaraweeurology.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/Operation.jpg?fit=800%2C534&amp;ssl=1\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/drsoaraweeurology.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/Operation.jpg?resize=800%2C533&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"Surgical team in theatre performing a renal operation\" class=\"wp-image-3421\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/drsoaraweeurology.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/Operation.jpg?w=1200&amp;ssl=1 1200w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/drsoaraweeurology.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/Operation.jpg?resize=300%2C200&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/drsoaraweeurology.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/Operation.jpg?resize=1024%2C683&amp;ssl=1 1024w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/drsoaraweeurology.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/Operation.jpg?resize=768%2C512&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/drsoaraweeurology.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/Operation.jpg?resize=16%2C12&amp;ssl=1 16w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Surgery is reserved for cases where malignancy cannot be excluded.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The message I want every patient to leave with is this: angiomyolipoma is a benign tumour, and in most cases an active surveillance programme is all that is needed. Intervention is the exception, not the rule \u2014 but knowing what bleeding feels like, and going straight to an emergency department if it happens, is the part of the plan that sits with you rather than with your doctor.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Frequently Asked Questions<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Q1: Is angiomyolipoma of the kidney cancerous?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">No. Angiomyolipoma (AML) is a benign (non-cancerous) kidney tumor. It is composed of fat, smooth muscle, and blood vessels, and is not malignant. However, larger AMLs carry a risk of spontaneous rupture and hemorrhage, which is why regular monitoring and sometimes intervention is recommended for tumors exceeding 4 cm in size.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Q2: What causes angiomyolipoma of the kidney?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In 80% of cases, angiomyolipoma occurs sporadically with no identifiable underlying cause. The remaining 20% are associated with genetic conditions, primarily tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) or pulmonary lymphangioleiomyomatosis (LAM). AMLs are most commonly found in middle-aged women, though they can occur in both sexes. Multiple angiomyolipomas, tumours in both kidneys, or a diagnosis in a young patient all raise the possibility of an underlying genetic condition and are worth asking about.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Q3: When does angiomyolipoma need treatment?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">AMLs smaller than 4 cm can generally be safely managed with active surveillance and regular imaging follow-up. Above 4 cm the risk of spontaneous rupture and serious haemorrhage rises and treatment enters the discussion \u2014 but crossing that size is a reason to weigh the options, not an automatic instruction to intervene, and many patients above it continue to be watched. Where treatment is chosen, embolization is the preferred first-line minimally invasive option, with surgery reserved for cases suspicious of malignancy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Q4: How is angiomyolipoma diagnosed?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">AML can be diagnosed by imaging alone due to its characteristic fat content. Non-contrasted CT scan is the gold standard, as it can reliably detect fat within the tumor. Ultrasound is widely used at health check-up clinics as an initial screening tool, while MRI is an alternative for patients who cannot undergo CT. Percutaneous biopsy is rarely needed and reserved for atypical cases \u2014 most often a lesion containing too little fat for imaging to demonstrate, which can look like a kidney cancer and therefore has to be investigated rather than assumed benign.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Q5: What symptoms does angiomyolipoma cause?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Approximately 85% of AMLs are asymptomatic and discovered incidentally during routine health check-up imaging. The remaining 15% may present with symptoms including flank pain, a palpable flank mass, bloody urination, urinary tract infection, or spontaneous tumor hemorrhage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Q6: What does bleeding from an angiomyolipoma feel like, and what should I do?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Typically sudden severe pain in the flank, side or abdomen, coming on without warning. Because the bleeding occurs behind the abdomen where nothing compresses it, blood loss can become significant, so feeling faint, dizzy on standing, unusually pale or sweaty, or noticing a racing heartbeat matters as much as the pain \u2014 and those signs can appear before the pain is at its worst. Heavy visible blood in the urine, especially with clots, is also a reason to act. Go to an emergency department the same day rather than waiting for an appointment; in Thailand you can call 1669. Tell whoever assesses you that you have a known angiomyolipoma and which side, because it changes what they look for immediately.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Q7: Can I discuss an angiomyolipoma by video consultation?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Yes, and it suits this situation well, because the main task is reading the imaging report you already have and agreeing a plan. Bangkok Hospital Headquarters offers a Telemedicine service, arranged in advance by email to the Urology department at bhquro@bdms.co.th. Send the actual radiology report rather than a summary, since the exact wording \u2014 whether fat was demonstrated, the size, how many lesions, which side \u2014 is what determines the advice. Samitivej Sriracha is in-person only, booked through the Urology department line 088-022-1445. Sudden severe pain, faintness or heavy bleeding should never wait for a video appointment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you have been told you have a kidney tumor or angiomyolipoma and would like a specialist assessment, Dr. Soarawee Weerasopone offers consultations at Bangkok Hospital Headquarters. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bangkokhospital.com\/en\/bangkok\/doctor\/dr-soarawee-weerasopone-2\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Book a Consultation<\/a>. Appointments at Samitivej Sriracha Hospital can be arranged by calling the Urology department on <a href=\"tel:0880221445\">088-022-1445<\/a>. Questions about the cost of a consultation, scan or procedure should go to the hospital directly \u2014 for Bangkok Hospital, by email to <a href=\"mailto:bhquro@bdms.co.th\">bhquro@bdms.co.th<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Reference<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Review of renal angiomyolipoma: presentation, diagnosis and management. <a href=\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/30039053\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">PubMed 30039053<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Disclaimer:<\/strong> This content is written and reviewed by Dr. Soarawee Weerasopone, a board-certified urologist at Bangkok Hospital Headquarters. It is intended for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice, and it cannot substitute for a reading of your own imaging report. No medical advice, diagnosis or prescription is provided through personal messaging channels or social media. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before starting any medical treatment. In an emergency, attend the nearest emergency department \u2014 in Thailand the emergency number is 1669.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\">\n{\n  \"@context\": \"https:\/\/schema.org\",\n  \"@graph\": [\n    {\n      \"@type\": \"MedicalWebPage\",\n      \"@id\": \"https:\/\/drsoaraweeurology.com\/2021\/07\/16\/angiomyolipoma-of-the-kidney\/#webpage\",\n      \"url\": \"https:\/\/drsoaraweeurology.com\/2021\/07\/16\/angiomyolipoma-of-the-kidney\/\",\n      \"name\": \"Angiomyolipoma of the kidney: A common benign renal tumor\",\n      \"description\": \"Angiomyolipoma is a benign kidney tumour that can be diagnosed on imaging alone because it contains fat. What the 4 cm threshold means for rupture risk and treatment, why it is a threshold for a conversation rather than an automatic operation, what bleeding feels like and when to go straight to an emergency department, and why most cases need only surveillance.\",\n      \"inLanguage\": \"en\",\n      \"datePublished\": \"2021-07-16\",\n      \"dateModified\": \"2026-08-30\",\n      \"lastReviewed\": \"2026-08-30\",\n      \"specialty\": \"https:\/\/schema.org\/Urologic\",\n      \"medicalAudience\": { \"@type\": \"MedicalAudience\", \"audienceType\": \"Patient\" },\n      \"isPartOf\": { \"@id\": \"https:\/\/drsoaraweeurology.com\/#website\" },\n      \"author\": { \"@id\": \"https:\/\/drsoaraweeurology.com\/#physician\" },\n      \"reviewedBy\": { \"@id\": \"https:\/\/drsoaraweeurology.com\/#physician\" },\n      \"publisher\": { \"@id\": \"https:\/\/drsoaraweeurology.com\/#physician\" },\n      \"about\": { \"@id\": \"https:\/\/drsoaraweeurology.com\/2021\/07\/16\/angiomyolipoma-of-the-kidney\/#angiomyolipoma\" }\n    },\n    {\n      \"@type\": \"MedicalCondition\",\n      \"@id\": \"https:\/\/drsoaraweeurology.com\/2021\/07\/16\/angiomyolipoma-of-the-kidney\/#angiomyolipoma\",\n      \"name\": \"Renal angiomyolipoma\",\n      \"alternateName\": \"AML of the kidney\",\n      \"description\": \"A benign kidney tumour composed of fat, smooth muscle and blood vessels, reported in 0.2-0.6% of the general population and most common in middle-aged women. Around 85% cause no symptoms and are found incidentally. It is not cancer, but tumours above 4 cm carry a rising risk of spontaneous rupture and haemorrhage. Multiple or bilateral lesions, or presentation in a young patient, raise the possibility of an underlying genetic condition, which involves organs beyond the kidney, has familial implications and is followed differently.\",\n      \"signOrSymptom\": [\n        {\"@type\": \"MedicalSignOrSymptom\", \"name\": \"Flank pain\"},\n        {\"@type\": \"MedicalSignOrSymptom\", \"name\": \"Palpable flank mass\"},\n        {\"@type\": \"MedicalSignOrSymptom\", \"name\": \"Blood in the urine\"},\n        {\"@type\": \"MedicalSignOrSymptom\", \"name\": \"Spontaneous tumour haemorrhage\"}\n      ],\n      \"possibleComplication\": {\n        \"@type\": \"MedicalEntity\",\n        \"name\": \"Spontaneous retroperitoneal haemorrhage. Bleeding occurs behind the abdomen where it is not tamponaded, so blood loss can become haemodynamically significant. Presentation is sudden severe flank, side or abdominal pain, with signs of blood loss such as faintness, postural dizziness, pallor, sweating or tachycardia, which may precede maximal pain; heavy haematuria with clots is also a warning. Requires same-day emergency department assessment rather than a routine appointment; in Thailand the emergency number is 1669. Patients should state that they have a known angiomyolipoma and on which side.\"\n      },\n      \"riskFactor\": [\n        {\"@type\": \"MedicalRiskFactor\", \"name\": \"Tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC)\"},\n        {\"@type\": \"MedicalRiskFactor\", \"name\": \"Pulmonary lymphangioleiomyomatosis (LAM)\"},\n        {\"@type\": \"MedicalRiskFactor\", \"name\": \"Tumour size above 4 cm, which raises the risk of rupture and bleeding\"}\n      ],\n      \"typicalTest\": [\n        {\"@type\": \"MedicalTest\", \"name\": \"Non-contrast CT\", \"description\": \"The gold standard, giving a definitive diagnosis by demonstrating fat within the tumour, so that no biopsy is needed.\"},\n        {\"@type\": \"MedicalTest\", \"name\": \"Ultrasound\", \"description\": \"The most widely used first look: inexpensive, no radiation, but operator-dependent and less accurate for small lesions.\"},\n        {\"@type\": \"MedicalTest\", \"name\": \"MRI\", \"description\": \"An accurate alternative, though slower, more expensive, and contraindicated with certain metallic implants.\"},\n        {\"@type\": \"MedicalTest\", \"name\": \"Percutaneous biopsy\", \"description\": \"Rarely needed and reserved for atypical cases, because it carries a risk of bleeding. The commonest atypical case is a lesion with too little fat for imaging to demonstrate, which cannot be distinguished from renal cell carcinoma on imaging alone and must therefore be investigated rather than presumed benign.\"}\n      ],\n      \"possibleTreatment\": [\n        {\"@type\": \"MedicalTherapy\", \"name\": \"Active surveillance\", \"description\": \"The standard approach below 4 cm, where no intervention is required, and a legitimate continuing option above 4 cm. The size threshold marks the point at which the balance between watching and treating ceases to be obvious and becomes a shared decision informed by tumour characteristics, symptoms, access to emergency care and patient preference, rather than an automatic indication to intervene.\"},\n        {\"@type\": \"MedicalProcedure\", \"name\": \"Selective arterial embolization\", \"description\": \"The preferred first-line intervention when treatment is indicated above 4 cm.\"},\n        {\"@type\": \"MedicalProcedure\", \"name\": \"Thermal ablation\"},\n        {\"@type\": \"MedicalProcedure\", \"name\": \"Surgery\", \"description\": \"Reserved for cases where malignancy cannot be excluded.\"}\n      ]\n    },\n    {\n      \"@type\": \"FAQPage\",\n      \"@id\": \"https:\/\/drsoaraweeurology.com\/2021\/07\/16\/angiomyolipoma-of-the-kidney\/#faq\",\n      \"isPartOf\": { \"@id\": \"https:\/\/drsoaraweeurology.com\/2021\/07\/16\/angiomyolipoma-of-the-kidney\/#webpage\" },\n      \"mainEntity\": [\n        {\"@type\": \"Question\", \"name\": \"Is angiomyolipoma of the kidney cancerous?\", \"acceptedAnswer\": {\"@type\": \"Answer\", \"text\": \"No. Angiomyolipoma is a benign, non-cancerous kidney tumour composed of fat, smooth muscle and blood vessels. Larger ones do carry a risk of spontaneous rupture and haemorrhage, which is why monitoring and sometimes intervention is recommended for tumours over 4 cm.\"}},\n        {\"@type\": \"Question\", \"name\": \"What causes angiomyolipoma of the kidney?\", \"acceptedAnswer\": {\"@type\": \"Answer\", \"text\": \"In 80% of cases it occurs sporadically with no identifiable cause. The remaining 20% are associated with genetic conditions, primarily tuberous sclerosis complex or pulmonary lymphangioleiomyomatosis. It is most common in middle-aged women, though it occurs in both sexes. Multiple angiomyolipomas, tumours in both kidneys, or a diagnosis in a young patient raise the possibility of an underlying genetic condition and are worth asking about.\"}},\n        {\"@type\": \"Question\", \"name\": \"When does angiomyolipoma need treatment?\", \"acceptedAnswer\": {\"@type\": \"Answer\", \"text\": \"Tumours under 4 cm can generally be managed with active surveillance and regular imaging. Above 4 cm the risk of spontaneous rupture and serious haemorrhage rises and treatment enters the discussion, but crossing that size is a reason to weigh the options rather than an automatic instruction to intervene, and many patients above it continue to be watched. Where treatment is chosen, embolization is the preferred first-line minimally invasive option, with surgery reserved for cases suspicious of malignancy.\"}},\n        {\"@type\": \"Question\", \"name\": \"How is angiomyolipoma diagnosed?\", \"acceptedAnswer\": {\"@type\": \"Answer\", \"text\": \"It can be diagnosed by imaging alone because of its characteristic fat content. Non-contrast CT is the gold standard. Ultrasound is widely used as an initial screening tool at health check-ups, and MRI is an alternative for patients who cannot have CT. Percutaneous biopsy is rarely needed and reserved for atypical cases, most often a lesion containing too little fat for imaging to demonstrate, which can look like a kidney cancer and must therefore be investigated rather than assumed benign.\"}},\n        {\"@type\": \"Question\", \"name\": \"What symptoms does angiomyolipoma cause?\", \"acceptedAnswer\": {\"@type\": \"Answer\", \"text\": \"About 85% cause no symptoms and are found incidentally on routine imaging. The remaining 15% may present with flank pain, a palpable flank mass, blood in the urine, urinary tract infection or spontaneous tumour haemorrhage.\"}},\n        {\"@type\": \"Question\", \"name\": \"What does bleeding from an angiomyolipoma feel like, and what should I do?\", \"acceptedAnswer\": {\"@type\": \"Answer\", \"text\": \"Typically sudden severe pain in the flank, side or abdomen, coming on without warning. Because the bleeding occurs behind the abdomen where nothing compresses it, blood loss can become significant, so feeling faint, dizzy on standing, unusually pale or sweaty, or noticing a racing heartbeat matters as much as the pain, and those signs can appear before the pain is at its worst. Heavy visible blood in the urine, especially with clots, is also a reason to act. Go to an emergency department the same day rather than waiting for an appointment. Tell whoever assesses you that you have a known angiomyolipoma and which side, because it changes what they look for immediately.\"}},\n        {\"@type\": \"Question\", \"name\": \"Can I discuss an angiomyolipoma by video consultation?\", \"acceptedAnswer\": {\"@type\": \"Answer\", \"text\": \"Yes, and it suits this situation well, because the main task is reading the imaging report the patient already has and agreeing a plan. Bangkok Hospital Headquarters offers a Telemedicine service, arranged in advance by email to the Urology department at bhquro@bdms.co.th. Send the actual radiology report rather than a summary, since the exact wording, including whether fat was demonstrated, the size, how many lesions and which side, is what determines the advice. Samitivej Sriracha is in-person only, booked through the Urology department line 088-022-1445. Sudden severe pain, faintness or heavy bleeding should never wait for a video appointment.\"}}\n      ]\n    }\n  ]\n}\n<\/script>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Being told a scan has found a kidney tumour is frightening \u2014 but angiomyolipoma is benign, and most need only watching. Dr. Soarawee Weerasopone, urologist at Bangkok Hospital, explains how it is diagnosed from imaging alone and why 4 cm is the number that matters.<\/p>","protected":false},"author":185281453,"featured_media":10018,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"advanced_seo_description":"Angiomyolipoma (AML) is a benign kidney tumour. How it is diagnosed on imaging alone, what the 4 cm rule means, and when embolization or surgery is needed. By Dr. Soarawee Weerasopone.","jetpack_seo_html_title":"Angiomyolipoma of the Kidney: The 4 cm Rule | Dr. Soarawee","jetpack_seo_noindex":false,"jetpack_seo_schema_type":"","_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_wpcom_ai_launchpad_first_post":false,"_jetpack_feature_clip_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":"","jetpack_publicize_message":"{title}\n\n{excerpt}\n\n{url}","jetpack_publicize_feature_enabled":true,"jetpack_social_post_already_shared":true,"jetpack_social_options":{"image_generator_settings":{"template":"highway","default_image_id":0,"font":"","enabled":false},"version":2},"_wpas_customize_per_network":false,"jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false},"categories":[1364],"tags":[1528,1529,1527,1526,1525],"class_list":["post-3410","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-oncology","tag-aml","tag-angiomyolipoma","tag-kidney-fat","tag-kidney-mass","tag-kidney-tumor"],"jetpack_publicize_connections":[],"jetpack_likes_enabled":false,"jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"jetpack_shortlink":"https:\/\/wp.me\/pgZdrK-T0","jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/drsoaraweeurology.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Angiomyolipoma.webp?fit=1200%2C630&ssl=1","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/drsoaraweeurology.com\/bn\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3410","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/drsoaraweeurology.com\/bn\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/drsoaraweeurology.com\/bn\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/drsoaraweeurology.com\/bn\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/185281453"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/drsoaraweeurology.com\/bn\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=3410"}],"version-history":[{"count":24,"href":"https:\/\/drsoaraweeurology.com\/bn\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3410\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":11808,"href":"https:\/\/drsoaraweeurology.com\/bn\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3410\/revisions\/11808"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/drsoaraweeurology.com\/bn\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/10018"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/drsoaraweeurology.com\/bn\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=3410"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/drsoaraweeurology.com\/bn\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=3410"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/drsoaraweeurology.com\/bn\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=3410"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}