Immunohistochemical study of hepatic angiomyolipoma

Background/Aims: Angiomyolipoma (AML), a rare benign tumor, occurs in the liver and other organs. The hormonal role in genesis and development of HAML is unknown. We performed an immunohistochemical study on 12 female cases to detect estrogen and progesterone receptors (ER, PR) to elucidate the hormonal role in this tumor. Methodology: Medical records of the 12 patients with hepatic angiomyolipoma (HAML) treated at the Chang Gung Memorial Hospital-Taipei between Oct 1988 and Oct 2000 were retrospectively reviewed. An immunohistochemical study was performed on these twelve patients with ER, PR, and HMB-45. Results: Twelve female patients with HAML were identified with ages ranging from 28 to 66 years. Abdominal pain was the most frequent symptom. HMB-45 was positive in all the twelve patients. ER and PR were negative in all cases. Conclusions: HMB-45 special staining could be regarded as a diagnostic criterion for HAML. Sex hormone may play no role in the pathogenesis and growth of the HAML. Hormonal therapy also plays no role in the management of the tumor. Its prognosis is favorable regardless of management.