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Intravenous glomus tumour of the upper arm
Susannah M C George1, Iain K Morrison, Paul B J Farrant
1Department of Dermatology, Brighton and Sussex University Hospitals NHS Trust, Brighton, UK. susannah@susannahgeorge.net
BMJ Case Reports
|June 6, 2012
Summary
A rare intravascular glomus tumour presented as severe arm pain in a 65-year-old man. Surgical removal of the benign tumour resolved the patient's symptoms.
Area of Science:
- Vascular Surgery
- Surgical Oncology
- Dermatopathology
Background:
- Glomus tumours are rare, benign neoplasms originating from the glomus body.
- They most commonly occur in the extremities, particularly the subungual regions, palms, and soles.
- While typically cutaneous, glomus tumours can manifest in diverse locations.
Observation:
- A 65-year-old male presented with a three-year history of severe, localized pain in his left upper arm.
- Physical examination revealed no palpable lesion or visible skin changes.
- Exploratory surgery identified a prominent vein with an intraluminal bulge.
Findings:
- The intraluminal bulge within the excised vein was confirmed to be a glomus tumour.
- Histological examination and immune profiling established the diagnosis of an intravascular glomus tumour.
- The patient experienced complete symptom resolution after surgical excision.
Implications:
- This case highlights the potential for intravascular glomus tumours to present atypically with significant pain.
- Early diagnosis and surgical intervention are crucial for symptom management.
- Awareness of rare vascular tumours is important for clinicians managing unexplained localized pain.
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