Fat-poor angiomyolipoma with cyst-like changes mimicking a cystic renal cell carcinoma: a case report

World J Surg Oncol. 2015 Aug 19:13:251. doi: 10.1186/s12957-015-0677-4.

Abstract

Angiomyolipoma is a common benign renal tumor. It is typically composed of adipose tissue and hence is easily diagnosed by using imaging methods such as ultrasonography, computed tomography, and magnetic resonance imaging. However, it is difficult to differentiate an atypical angiomyolipoma such as a fat-poor angiomyolipoma from a malignant tumor by using these imaging methods. We report a case of a fat-poor angiomyolipoma with cyst-like changes in a 35-year-old man. The angiomyolipoma was initially suspected to be a cystic renal cell carcinoma according to preoperative imaging studies. A 5-cm cystic tumor with an enhanced septal wall and exophytic formation was present in the middle section of the left kidney. The patient underwent partial nephrectomy. Pathological findings showed necrosis and hematoma in almost the entire lesion, with a small amount of adipose and muscle tissue. Finally, a fat-poor angiomyolipoma was diagnosed.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adipose Tissue / pathology*
  • Adult
  • Angiomyolipoma / complications
  • Angiomyolipoma / diagnosis*
  • Angiomyolipoma / surgery
  • Carcinoma, Renal Cell / complications
  • Carcinoma, Renal Cell / diagnosis*
  • Carcinoma, Renal Cell / surgery
  • Cysts / pathology*
  • Cysts / surgery
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Humans
  • Kidney Neoplasms / complications
  • Kidney Neoplasms / diagnosis*
  • Kidney Neoplasms / surgery
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging
  • Male
  • Nephrectomy
  • Prognosis
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed