BACKGROUND: A glomus tumor is a rare neoplasm derived from glomus cells, specialized cells that surround small blood vessels which are important in regulating peripheral blood flow. Glomangiomas are a subset of glomus tumors. They are usually localized in the skin and subcutaneous tissue. They have also been reported in viscera, most notably in the gastrointestinal tract. CASE REPORT: A case of gastric multicentric glomangioma is described in an 18-year-old male who presented with chronic continuous abdominal pain over a 4-6 month period. Preoperative diagnosis, operative findings, histology, and immunohistochemistry of the tumor are discussed in detail. CONCLUSIONS: Case reports of this rare tumor are important because of the paucity of studies noted in the gastro-intestinal literature as a result of poor identification prior to the advent of modern immunohistochemistry. The significance of accurately diagnosing a gastrointestinal glomangioma is crucial for appropriate treatment.
BACKGROUND: A glomus tumor is a rare neoplasm derived from glomus cells, specialized cells that surround small blood vessels which are important in regulating peripheral blood flow. Glomangiomas are a subset of glomus tumors. They are usually localized in the skin and subcutaneous tissue. They have also been reported in viscera, most notably in the gastrointestinal tract. CASE REPORT: A case of gastric multicentric glomangioma is described in an 18-year-old male who presented with chronic continuous abdominal pain over a 4-6 month period. Preoperative diagnosis, operative findings, histology, and immunohistochemistry of the tumor are discussed in detail. CONCLUSIONS: Case reports of this rare tumor are important because of the paucity of studies noted in the gastro-intestinal literature as a result of poor identification prior to the advent of modern immunohistochemistry. The significance of accurately diagnosing a gastrointestinal glomangioma is crucial for appropriate treatment.
Authors: Zachary D Horne; Sana D Karam; Abdul Rashid; J W Snider; Allison Lax; Metin Ozdemirli; K W Harter Journal: Front Oncol Date: 2013-03-05 Impact factor: 6.244