Patel Aaryan, Deshmukh Ishan, Jones Robert, Jonna Venkatasai, Lambroussis Constantino G, Merchant Abbas
Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine, Erie, USA.
Vascular Surgery, Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine, Elmira, USA.
Cureus. 2025 Mar 12;17(3):e80458. doi: 10.7759/cureus.80458. eCollection 2025 Mar.
Glomangiomas are rare, benign vascular tumors originating from the specialized arteriovenous structure known as the glomus body. These tumors typically occur in subungual or digital locations, such as the fingers and toes. However, extradigital glomangiomas, which develop in other areas of the body, are much less common. When present in atypical sites, these lesions often mimic more prevalent subcutaneous abnormalities, such as sebaceous cysts, lipomas, or dermatofibromas, posing significant diagnostic challenges for clinicians. The nonspecific clinical features of extradigital glomangiomas, particularly the absence of hallmark symptoms like severe localized pain or hypersensitivity, can further complicate the diagnostic process. This case report describes a 67-year-old male who presented with a 1-cm soft, mobile, and asymptomatic lesion near the right knee, initially presumed to be a sebaceous cyst. Following unsuccessful drainage attempts, the lesion was surgically excised. Histopathological examination confirmed the diagnosis of a glomangioma, with glomus cells arranged around branching vascular channels and positive staining for smooth muscle actin and vimentin. Glomangiomas should be considered in the differential diagnosis of persistent subcutaneous masses in unusual locations. Greater recognition of these rare lesions can facilitate timely and appropriate management.
血管球瘤是一种罕见的良性血管肿瘤,起源于被称为血管球的特殊动静脉结构。这些肿瘤通常发生在甲下或指(趾)部位,如手指和脚趾。然而,发生在身体其他部位的指外血管球瘤则更为少见。当出现在非典型部位时,这些病变常常类似更常见的皮下异常,如皮脂腺囊肿、脂肪瘤或皮肤纤维瘤,给临床医生带来重大的诊断挑战。指外血管球瘤的非特异性临床特征,尤其是缺乏严重局部疼痛或超敏反应等标志性症状,会使诊断过程更加复杂。本病例报告描述了一名67岁男性,其右膝附近出现一个1厘米大小、质地柔软、可活动且无症状的病变,最初被认为是皮脂腺囊肿。在引流尝试失败后,该病变被手术切除。组织病理学检查确诊为血管球瘤,血管球细胞围绕分支血管通道排列,平滑肌肌动蛋白和波形蛋白染色呈阳性。在鉴别诊断不寻常部位持续存在的皮下肿块时应考虑血管球瘤。对这些罕见病变的更多认识有助于及时进行恰当的处理。