Glomus tumors of the trachea: 2 case reports and a review of the literature

Abstract

Glomus tumors (GTs) of the trachea are very rare neoplasms that usually arise from the distal portion of the respiratory tree. The origin of these tumors is modified smooth muscle cells of glomus bodies. In this study, we describe two cases of GT of the trachea, as well as the histologic features of these tumors and their treatments. One tumor was diagnosed via bronchoscopic biopsy, and the other tumor was diagnosed via surgery. Clinical follow-up showed that the two patients are alive and well after 8 and 15 months post-treatment, respectively. We also review the literature regarding GTs and discuss the clinical presentation, histologic features, differential diagnosis, treatment and prognosis of these tumors.

Keywords: Glomus tumor (GT); bronchoscopy; trachea.

Figure 1

CT and Brochoscopic findings in Patient 1 before treatment. Chest CT images (A,B) of a tumor involving the lower portion of the trachea. The arrow indicates the glomus tumor. Brochoscopy (C) demonstrated a cauliflower-like neoplasm arising from the posterior membrane of the lower trachea.

Figure 2

Hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining, immunohistochemical staining in Patient 1 and CT findings after treatment. Single round cells with a uniform, clear or pale eosinophilic cytoplasm and hyperchromatic nuclei forming microvascular spaces were observed in histopathologic sections (A) (HE, ×200). Positive immunohistochemical staining for SMA (B) and VIM (C) and negative immunohistochemical staining for CK5 (D) were observed in the tumor cells (×200). CT did not show a glomus tumor (GT) in the tracheas after treatment (E,F) .

Figure 3

CT and Brochoscopic findings in Patient 2 before treatment. Chest CT images (A,B) of a tumor involving the posterior aspect of the upper portion of the trachea. The arrow indicates the glomus tumor. Brochoscopy (C) demonstrated a neoplasm rich in blood vessels arising from the posterior membrane of the upper trachea.

Figure 4

HE staining, immunohistochemical staining in Patient 2 and CT findings after treatment. (A) Single round cells with a uniform, clear or pale eosinophilic cytoplasm and hyperchromatic nuclei forming microvascular spaces were observed in histopathologic sections (HE, ×200); (B) positive immunohistochemical staining for SMA (×200); (C,D) CT did not show a GT in the tracheas after treatment.