J Pathol Transl Med.  2015 Nov;49(6):520-524. 10.4132/jptm.2015.07.02.

Mediastinal Glomus Tumor: A Case Report and Literature Review

Affiliations
  • 1Department of Pathology, Soonchunhyang University Cheonan Hospital, Soonchunhyang University College of Medicine, Cheonan, Korea. mhoh0212@hanmail.net
  • 2Department of Radiology, Soonchunhyang University Cheonan Hospital, Soonchunhyang University College of Medicine, Cheonan, Korea.

Abstract

A glomus tumor in the mediastinum is very uncommon, and only five cases have been reported in the English literature. We recently encountered a 21-year-old woman with an asymptomatic mediastinal mass that measured 5.3 x 4.0 cm. Surgical excision was performed, and the tumor was finally diagnosed as mediastinal glomus tumor with an uncertain malignant potential. After reviewing this case and previous reports, we analyzed the clinicopathologic features associated with progression of such a tumor.

Keyword

Glomus tumor; Mediastinum; Neoplasms

MeSH Terms

Female
Glomus Tumor*
Humans
Mediastinum
Young Adult

Figure

  • Fig. 1. Radiologic and macroscopic findings. (A) Chest computed tomography reveals a well-demarcated enhanced mass in the anterior inferior mediastinum. (B) Mediastinal mass shows a gray-white homogeneous cut surface with no necrotic or hemorrhagic focus.

  • Fig. 2. Macroscopic finding. (A) The tumor displays a sheet-like growth pattern with increased vascularity, and some medium-sized vessels within the tumor has a staghorn appearance. (B) Edematous and myxoid changes are prominent in hypocellular areas. (C, D) Tumor cells have a well-defined cell border and pale to eosinophilic cytoplasm. The nuclei are round and concentrically located with one or two inconspicuous nucleoli. (E) Immunohistochemical staining for smooth muscle actin is positive in tumor cells. (F) CD34 immunohistochemistry is nonreactive in tumor cells.


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