[Kidney cancer and angiomyolipoma in lymphangiomyomatosis]

Abstract

Lymphangiomyomatosis is an extremely rare benign disease characterized by extensive proliferation of smooth muscle cells within lymphatic vessels and lymph nodes. While 10-15% of all patients show concomitant renal angiomyolipomas, no association so far has been reported with renal cell carcinoma. We present a case with coincident lymphangiomyomatosis, renal cell carcinoma and renal angiomyolipoma. The possible underlying pathogenesis is discussed. Classifying lymphangiomyomatosis as a "forme fruste" of tuberous sclerosis allows postulation of a common pathogenesis for all three entities.