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Glomangiosarcoma in a glomus tumor. An immunohistochemical and ultrastructural study
M Aiba1, A Hirayama, S Kuramochi
1Department of Surgical Pathology, Tokyo Women's Medical College, Japan.
Cancer
|April 1, 1988
Summary
This study reports a rare glomangiosarcoma (GS) arising in a glomus tumor (GT). The findings suggest GS may transform from GT, with its small size potentially linked to a good prognosis.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Pathology
- Surgical Oncology
Background:
- Glomangiosarcoma (GS) is an extremely rare malignancy.
- Glomus tumors (GT) are benign neoplasms of vascular origin.
Observation:
- A 65-year-old male presented with back pain and a deep cutaneous nodule.
- Ultrastructural and histochemical evaluation of the resected nodule revealed a coexisting GT and GS.
Findings:
- Glomus tumor cells exhibited pinocytotic vesicles, thin filaments, and external lamina, with negative desmin staining.
- Glomangiosarcoma showed similar but less obvious features, with mitotic figures, prominent nucleoli, and stronger vimentin staining.
- Glomus tumor contained S-100 positive Schwann cells and nerve fibers; these were absent in glomangiosarcoma.
Implications:
- The findings support the hypothesis that glomangiosarcoma can arise from a glomus tumor.
- The small size of the glomangiosarcoma, possibly related to the pre-existing painful glomus tumor, may contribute to its favorable prognosis.