Hepatic glomus tumor, a case report and literature review

This case report documents an exceptionally rare hepatic glomus tumor, contributing valuable insights to the diagnosis and differential diagnosis of such tumors.

A 58-year-old male was admitted in 2023 due to unexplained elevation of bilirubin discovered during routine laboratory tests. The patient denied any symptoms, and physical examination revealed no positive findings. Laboratory tests indicated elevated bilirubin, while serum tumor markers remained within normal ranges. Contrast-enhanced computed tomography revealed an indistinctly bordered hepatic mass, displaying uneven and marked enhancement in the arterial phase and sustained enhancement in the venous phase.

The patient underwent laparoscopic partial hepatectomy, and pathological examination suggested a spindle cell tumor of mesenchymal origin. Immunohistochemistry confirmed positive staining for smooth muscle actin, leading to the final diagnosis of a hepatic glomus tumor with undetermined malignant potential. Follow-up at 6 months postoperatively showed no signs of metastasis or recurrence.

This case underscores the subtle radiological distinctions of hepatic glomus tumors, resembling hemangiomas but manifesting unique features. Additionally, the crucial role of immunohistochemistry in achieving a definitive diagnosis is emphasized in this report.