Angioleiomyoma: Difference between revisions

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'''Angioleiomyoma''' is a benign [[soft tissue tumor]] that originates from the smooth muscle cells of blood vessels, hence the prefix "angio-" referring to blood vessels and "leiomyoma" indicating a benign tumor of smooth muscle. These tumors are relatively rare and are most commonly found in the lower extremities, particularly in the legs, although they can occur in any part of the body where smooth muscles are present.
== Angioleiomyoma ==


==Etiology and Pathogenesis==
[[File:SkinTumors-PA100970.JPG|thumb|right|Histological image of an angioleiomyoma]]
The exact cause of angioleiomyoma is not well understood. However, it is believed to be related to trauma or hormonal factors given its higher prevalence in women. The tumor arises from the tunica media, the middle layer of the vessel wall, which is composed of smooth muscle cells. Genetic factors may also play a role in the development of angioleiomyoma, but research in this area is still ongoing.


==Clinical Presentation==
An '''angioleiomyoma''' is a benign [[tumor]] that arises from [[smooth muscle]] cells and contains a prominent vascular component. It is a type of [[leiomyoma]], which is a tumor of smooth muscle origin, and is most commonly found in the [[skin]] and [[subcutaneous tissue]].
Patients with angioleiomyoma typically present with a solitary, well-circumscribed, painful mass. The pain associated with angioleiomyoma is distinctive and may be attributed to the tumor's contractile properties or to local nerve compression. The size of the tumor can vary, but most are less than 2 cm in diameter. Although angioleiomyomas are benign and do not metastasize, their location and associated pain can lead to significant discomfort and functional impairment, depending on their size and location.


==Diagnosis==
== Clinical Presentation ==
The diagnosis of angioleiomyoma is primarily based on histological examination. Imaging studies such as ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can be helpful in the preoperative assessment but are not definitive. Histologically, angioleiomyomas are characterized by bundles of smooth muscle cells interspersed with thick-walled vessels. Immunohistochemical staining is often used to confirm the diagnosis, with the tumor cells typically expressing smooth muscle actin (SMA) and desmin.


==Treatment==
Angioleiomyomas typically present as small, firm, and painful nodules. They are most commonly located in the [[lower extremities]], particularly the [[legs]], but can also occur in other areas of the body. The pain associated with angioleiomyomas is often exacerbated by changes in temperature or pressure.
The mainstay of treatment for angioleiomyoma is surgical excision. Complete removal of the tumor is usually curative and associated with a low recurrence rate. Pain relief is typically immediate after the removal of the tumor. In cases where surgery is not feasible or the tumor is asymptomatic, observation may be an option. However, given the benign nature of angioleiomyoma, aggressive treatments beyond surgical excision are rarely required.


==Prognosis==
== Pathophysiology ==
The prognosis for individuals with angioleiomyoma is excellent, as these tumors are benign and have a very low rate of recurrence following complete excision. Long-term outcomes are generally favorable, with most patients experiencing complete resolution of symptoms after surgery.


==Epidemiology==
The exact cause of angioleiomyoma formation is not well understood. However, it is believed to arise from the [[vascular smooth muscle]] cells. The tumor is characterized by a proliferation of smooth muscle cells surrounding thick-walled blood vessels. The presence of these blood vessels is a distinguishing feature of angioleiomyomas compared to other types of leiomyomas.
Angioleiomyomas are rare tumors, with a slight predilection for women. They are most commonly diagnosed in adults between the ages of 30 and 60. There is no known racial or ethnic predisposition for developing angioleiomyoma.


== Diagnosis ==
Diagnosis of an angioleiomyoma is typically made through [[histological]] examination. A biopsy of the lesion will reveal the characteristic features of smooth muscle cells and prominent blood vessels. The histological image shown here demonstrates these features, with smooth muscle bundles surrounding vascular channels.
== Treatment ==
The primary treatment for angioleiomyoma is surgical excision. Complete removal of the tumor usually results in resolution of symptoms, including pain. Recurrence after excision is rare.
== Related Pages ==
* [[Leiomyoma]]
* [[Benign tumor]]
* [[Smooth muscle]]
* [[Vascular tumor]]
[[Category:Benign tumors]]
[[Category:Dermatology]]
[[Category:Soft tissue tumors]]
[[Category:Soft tissue tumors]]
[[Category:Benign neoplasms]]
{{Medicine-stub}}

Revision as of 11:15, 15 February 2025

Angioleiomyoma

Histological image of an angioleiomyoma

An angioleiomyoma is a benign tumor that arises from smooth muscle cells and contains a prominent vascular component. It is a type of leiomyoma, which is a tumor of smooth muscle origin, and is most commonly found in the skin and subcutaneous tissue.

Clinical Presentation

Angioleiomyomas typically present as small, firm, and painful nodules. They are most commonly located in the lower extremities, particularly the legs, but can also occur in other areas of the body. The pain associated with angioleiomyomas is often exacerbated by changes in temperature or pressure.

Pathophysiology

The exact cause of angioleiomyoma formation is not well understood. However, it is believed to arise from the vascular smooth muscle cells. The tumor is characterized by a proliferation of smooth muscle cells surrounding thick-walled blood vessels. The presence of these blood vessels is a distinguishing feature of angioleiomyomas compared to other types of leiomyomas.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of an angioleiomyoma is typically made through histological examination. A biopsy of the lesion will reveal the characteristic features of smooth muscle cells and prominent blood vessels. The histological image shown here demonstrates these features, with smooth muscle bundles surrounding vascular channels.

Treatment

The primary treatment for angioleiomyoma is surgical excision. Complete removal of the tumor usually results in resolution of symptoms, including pain. Recurrence after excision is rare.

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