Glomus tumor and glomangioma of the nerve

Abstract

As a rule, normal human nerve does not contain glomus bodies. Nonetheless, rare examples of glomus tumors do arise in peripheral nerves of various sizes. Their pathobiological characteristics are poorly understood, but reported examples have been small and clinically benign. The authors identified in 1 patient each a glomus tumor and a glomangioma involving nerve. Clinical histories as well as imaging and surgical findings were reviewed. All available H & E-stained slides were examined in both cases. Immunohistochemical stains and electron microscopy, as appropriate, were also performed. The lesions were subtotally and completely resected, respectively. An uneventful postoperative recovery was noted in both patients. Glomus tumors and glomangiomas can involve major nerves on rare occasions. They seem to follow a favorable clinical course, and conservative resection can be of benefit.

Glomus Tumor of Digital Nerve: Case Report

“…3 Noteworthy preoperative and/or postoperative morbidity can be seen when glomus tumors involve major nerves. 5,6 In our case, the tumor presented solely as a painful mass with point tenderness. No other neurologic symptoms or signs were demonstrable, either before or after surgery.…”

“…Resection often results in resolution of pain, but sizable tumors, in particular, can cause residual morbidity, as illustrated in 2 larger sciatic nerve examples. 5,6 …”

Glomus Tumor in the Femoral Nerve

“…Since normal human nervous system does not contain glomus bodies, glomus tumors affecting peripheral nerves are extremely rare. The glomus tumor in the peripheral nerve is known as one of the mesenchymal tumors originating in the epineurium9,10,13). They are often associated with constant or episodic shooting pain that is generally unresponsive to conventional therapies.…”

Glomangiomatosis of the sural nerve

“…Glomus tumours may, however, occur in almost any location, including the viscera 8. We are aware of only 10 previously reported cases of primary intraneural glomus tumours; of these, nine appear to have represented conventional solid glomus tumours3 4 and one a glomangioma. Pathologically, glomus tumours are readily recognised, consisting of clusters of uniform, round cells with centrally placed nuclei surrounding blood vessels of varying calibres.…”

“…Although the normal glomus body is found exclusively in the skin and coccygeal region (glomus coccygeum), glomus tumours have been reported in a wide variety of soft tissue and visceral locations 1 2. Intraneural glomus tumours, however, are quite rare, with only 10 previously reported cases (reviewed in3 4). …”