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Angiomyolipoma

Case contributed by: Dr Andrew Ryan

Presentation:

Presents with 15mm lower pole renal mass. Partial nephrectomy converted to total nephrectomy

Patient Data:

Age: 63

Gender: Female

Race: Caucasian

From the case: Angiomyolipoma

Modality: Gross pathology

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Macroscopic appearance of angiomyolipoma with predominantly pale grey to white tumour - there is a vague area of 'yellowish' tumour in the left upper quadrant corresponding to an area of rich in adipose tissue.

Case Discussion:

The textbook 'tri-phasic' appearance is not always present which can pose a diagnostic dilemma. As a pathologists, we are seeing more core biopsies taken to try and identify the tumour type. On histology the typical three components (vessels, smooth muscle and fat) are seen in variable proportions, but ‘monophasic’ (only one component) and ‘biphasic’ (two components) can be seen, especially if the tumour is only minimally sampled (eg core biopsy). Tumour cells are usually positive on immunohistochemistry for HMB45, CD117, CD63, and negative for cytokeratin and other epithelial markers.