Myelolipoma is a medical term used to describe a rare, benign tumor typically found in the adrenal gland, which is a small triangular-shaped gland located on top of each kidney. This relatively slow-growing tumor is composed of a combination of mature fat cells (adipose tissue) and fully developed bone marrow cells (myeloid tissue).
The term "myelolipoma" is derived from the Greek words "myelo," meaning bone marrow, and "lipoma," which refers to a type of benign fatty tumor. These tumors are usually discovered incidentally during imaging tests, such as computed tomography (CT) scans or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), which are performed for unrelated reasons.
Most myelolipomas are small and do not cause any symptoms or harm to the body. However, in rare cases, these tumors can grow larger and exert pressure on surrounding organs, causing pain or discomfort. Furthermore, some myelolipomas may be associated with other underlying conditions, such as hormonal imbalances or genetic disorders.
Treatment for myelolipoma is often unnecessary, especially when the tumor is small and non-symptomatic. In such cases, regular monitoring through imaging tests is typically recommended to ensure no significant growth or complications occur. However, if the tumor grows larger or causes discomfort, surgical removal may be considered.
Overall, myelolipoma is a benign tumor composed of mature fat cells and bone marrow cells typically found in the adrenal gland, which usually does not require treatment unless it grows larger or causes symptoms.
