Extradigital glomus tumor: A rare case report

Abstract

Introduction and importance: Glomus tumors are benign soft tissue tumors of the glomus body, most regularly found in the sublingual region of the digits, palms, and soles. Extra digital lesions are uncommon and might be difficult to diagnose.

Case presentation: We report a rare case of a 38-year-old man who presented with a painful nodule on his right upper arm. A definite diagnosis was made by histopathological study. A complete surgical excision was performed to avoid recurrence.

Clinical discussion: Glomus tumors form less than 2 % of all soft tissue tumors. The tumor was first reported by Wood in 1812. It typically appears like a small blue-red solitary papule in the hand especially the digits, which are the most prevalent location for glomus tumors with an incidence rate of up to 75 %. The histopathology findings of glomus tumor, are three components: glomus cells, vasculature, and smooth muscle cells. The preferred method of treatment is total excision to prevent a recurrence.

Conclusion: Eventually, the glomus tumor is fairly a rare benign tumor that physicians should keep in mind as a deferential diagnosis when facing a subcutaneous nodule and don't rule out when the tumor is extradigital.

Keywords: Benign; Extradigital; Glomus tumor; Nodule; Surgery; Upper arm.

Fig. 1

Clinical image shows a purplish, tender nodule, with regular round edges measuring 1 cm × 1 cm. The nodule was rough and immobile.

Fig. 2

Hematoxylin and eosin-stain (A-D). Microscopic images of the nodule. (A and B) The low-power magnification shows branching vessels lined by endothelial cells and surrounded by uniform cells (40× and 100×). (C and D) The high-power magnification reveals sheets of uniform cells with scant eosinophilic cytoplasm, indistinct borders, and round-to-ovoid central nuclei with inconspicuous nucleoli (200× and 400×).