What are the other Names for this Condition? (Also known as/Synonyms)

• Myxoma of Renal Capsule
• Renal Myxoma

What is Myxoma of Kidney? (Definition/Background Information)

• Myxoma of Kidney is an extremely uncommon benign tumor of the kidney that is usually discovered incidentally. The tumor is seen in adults
• The kidney consists of 2 zones; the cortex and the medulla. The cortex is the peripheral or outer portion of the kidney, and the medulla is the central or inner portion of the kidney. The tumor may be present in the medulla or cortex of the kidney
• The cause of development of Renal Myxoma and predisposing factors for its formation, if any, are currently unknown
• The signs and symptoms depend upon the size of the tumors and it may include blood in urine and abdominal pain. Small tumors are mostly asymptomatic, while large tumors can affect kidney function
• Generally, no treatment is required for Myxoma of Kidney (for small and asymptomatic tumors). But, the healthcare provider may recommend regular follow-ups and surgery for large symptomatic tumors. The prognosis of the tumor is excellent, since it is a benign tumor

Who gets Myxoma of Kidney? (Age and Sex Distribution)

• Myxoma of Kidney is mostly observed in adults
• Both males and females are affected and no predilection is noted
• No specific ethnic or racial preference is seen
• Renal Myxomas are extremely rare and only less than 20 cases have been reported worldwide

What are the Risk Factors for Myxoma of Kidney? (Predisposing Factors)

• Currently, no definitive risk factors have been noted for Myxoma of Kidney

It is important to note that having a risk factor does not mean that one will get the condition. A risk factor increases one's chances of getting a condition compared to an individual without the risk factors. Some risk factors are more important than others.

Also, not having a risk factor does not mean that an individual will not get the condition. It is always important to discuss the effect of risk factors with your healthcare provider.

What are the Causes of Myxoma of Kidney? (Etiology)

The exact cause and mechanism of Myxoma of Kidney formation is unknown.

What are the Signs and Symptoms of Myxoma of Kidney?

The signs and symptoms of Myxoma of Kidney depend on the size and location of the tumor. It can also vary from one individual to another. In general, small tumors are asymptomatic and large tumors can cause signs and symptoms. The kidney symptoms may be caused due to mass effect (presence of bulky tumors).

The signs and symptoms of Myxoma of Kidney may include the following:

• The tumor may be present as an abdominal mass
• It is often present as a well-circumscribed tumor mass
• Myxomas of Kidney are usually single, affecting one kidney
• It may be associated with blood in urine, flank pain, increase in blood pressure, and urinary tract infections

Large tumors can severely affect the functioning of the kidney that is involved. Tumors growing to larger sizes can cause compression of adjoining organs and structures, but are not known infiltrate into them.

How is Myxoma of Kidney Diagnosed?

In many cases, Myxoma of Kidney is diagnosed incidentally during imaging studies undertaken for some other health conditions. It is typically biopsied to rule-out cancer in some cases. Case reports indicate that the tumor is often detected during autopsies.

The diagnosis may involve the following tests and procedures:

• Complete physical exam with evaluation of medical history
• Complete blood counts with hematocrit (to detect polycythemia)
• Urine analysis to check for the presence of blood cells
• Kidney function test
• Plain X-ray of the abdomen
• Ultrasound scan of the abdomen
• CT or CAT scan with contrast of the abdomen may show a well-defined mass. This radiological procedure creates detailed 3-dimensional images of structures inside the body
• MRI scans of the abdomen: Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) uses a magnetic field to create high-quality pictures of certain parts of the body, such as tissues, muscles, nerves, and bones. These high-quality pictures may reveal the presence of the tumor
• Intravenous pyelogram (IVP): A dye is injected into the blood vessels and the image of kidney structure is obtained
• Vascular angiographic studies of the tumor

Invasive diagnostic procedures such as:

• Laparoscopy: A special device is inserted through a small hole into the abdomen, to visually examine it. If necessary, a tissue sample is obtained for further analysis. Exploration of the abdomen using a laparoscope is called ‘exploratory laparoscopy’
• Laparotomy: The abdomen is opened through an incision for examination, and if required, a biopsy sample obtained. Exploration of the abdomen using laparotomy procedure is called ‘exploratory laparotomy’

Although the above modalities can be used to make an initial diagnosis, a tissue biopsy of the tumor is necessary to make a definitive diagnosis to begin treatment. The tissue for diagnosis can be procured in multiple different ways which include:

• Fine needle aspiration (FNA) biopsy of the kidney tumor: A FNA biopsy may not be helpful, because one may not be able to visualize the different morphological areas of the tumor. Hence, a FNA biopsy as a diagnostic tool has certain limitations, and an open surgical biopsy is preferred
• Core biopsy of the kidney tumor
• Open biopsy of the kidney tumor

Tissue biopsy:

• A tissue biopsy of the tumor is performed and sent to a laboratory for a pathological examination. A pathologist examines the biopsy under a microscope. After putting together clinical findings, special studies on tissues (if needed) and with microscope findings, the pathologist arrives at a definitive diagnosis. Examination of the biopsy under a microscope by a pathologist is considered to be gold standard in arriving at a conclusive diagnosis
• Biopsy specimens are studied initially using Hematoxylin and Eosin staining. The pathologist then decides on additional studies depending on the clinical situation
• Sometimes, the pathologist may perform special studies, which may include immunohistochemical stains, molecular testing, and very rarely, electron microscopic studies to assist in the diagnosis

A differential diagnosis, to eliminate other tumor types is considered, before arriving at a definitive diagnosis. The differential diagnosis includes:

• Renal cell carcinoma with myxoid features
• Renal sarcoma with myxoid features
• Fibroepithelial polyp
• Renomedullary interstitial cell tumor
• Myxolipoma

Many clinical conditions may have similar signs and symptoms. Your healthcare provider may perform additional tests to rule out other clinical conditions to arrive at a definitive diagnosis.

What are the possible Complications of Myxoma of Kidney?

The complications of Myxoma of Kidney may include:

• Stress and anxiety due to a concern of kidney cancer
• Chronic renal failure affecting kidney function if tumors are large is a potential complication
• Damage to the muscles, vital nerves, and blood vessels, during surgery
• Post-surgical infection at the wound site is a potential complication

How is Myxoma of Kidney Treated?

The treatment options vary from one individual to another. The treatment measures for Myxoma of Kidney may include the following:

• Majority of asymptomatic tumors are not surgically removed after the tumor is determined to be benign on a biopsy. The healthcare provider may recommend a ‘wait and watch’ approach for small-sized tumors presenting mild signs and symptoms, after a diagnosis of Renal Myxoma is made
• Surgical intervention with complete excision can result in a complete cure. It can also help reduce the chances of tumor recurrence

The surgical treatment methods for Myxoma of Kidney may include:

• Endoscopic surgery
• Nephron-sparing surgery
• Partial or complete nephrectomy

A partial or complete nephrectomy may be considered, when large-sized tumors are noted in the kidneys. 

• A kidney dialysis may be required, if the kidney function is severely compromised due to renal failure
• Postoperative care is important: A minimum activity level is ensured, until the surgical wound heals
• Follow-up care with regular screening may be recommended by the healthcare provider

How can Myxoma of Kidney be Prevented?

• Current medical research has not established a method of preventing Myxoma of Kidney
• Regular medical screening at periodic intervals with tests and physical examinations are recommended

What is the Prognosis of Myxoma of Kidney? (Outcomes/Resolutions)

• The prognosis of Myxoma of Kidney depends upon the severity of the signs and symptoms. It also depends upon the overall health of the individual and response to therapy
• In most cases, the prognosis is excellent with adequate treatment, since these are benign tumors

Additional and Relevant Useful Information for Myxoma of Kidney:

Please visit our Cancer & Benign Tumors Health Center for more physician-approved health information:

http://www.dovemed.com/diseases-conditions/cancer/