Glomus Tumor of the Cheek: A Case Report

Abstract

Glomus tumors are benign, subcutaneous neoplasms of the perivasculature. Though facial location is rare, the diagnosis of a glomus tumor should be considered in cases of undiagnosed painful facial nodules or chronic facial pain. Imaging aids in defining the tumor and planning a complete excision in order to avoid recurrence. Histological examination is mandatory after every attempted excision. A case of glomus tumor of the cheek along with the possible pitfalls of diagnosis and treatment and a brief review of the limited associated literature are presented.

Cytopathologic diagnosis of esophageal glomus tumor presenting as an incidental posterior mediastinal mass in an 80‐year‐old male

“…Glomus tumors are benign lesions that arise from modified smooth muscle cells of the glomus body and represent less than 2% of soft tissue neoplasms . The disproportionate number of cases in the distal extremities and relative infrequency of visceral involvement make it easy to overlook or confuse with more commonly occurring lesions in these anatomic locations .…”

“…The lesion represents a neoplastic proliferation of glomus cells in the Sucquet‐Hoyer canal, an arteriovenous anastomosis that regulates arterial blood flow and is important in temperature regulation . Though typically small in size (<1 cm), they are characterized by a clinical triad of exquisite pain, localized tenderness, and cold sensitivity …”

Pleomorphic adenoma of the accessory parotid gland misdiagnosed as glomus tumour

“…Glomus tumour of the facial region is a very rare entity. 11 Pathological features of glomus tumours include glomus cells, vasculature and smooth muscle cells, whereas pleomorphic adenomas are composed of a mixture of epithelial, myoepithelial and stromal components. The stroma contains myxoid, condroid, fibroid and osteoid elements.…”

Extradigital glomus tumor revisited: Painful subcutaneous nodules located in various parts of the body

“…[ 1 ] Glomus tumors are benign neoplasms containing cells from the glomus apparatus which is responsible for thermoregulatory control, accounting 1–2% of all soft tissue tumors. [ 2 3 ] Histologically, glomus tumors and their variants are benign neoplasms requiring only a simple excision. [ 4 ] Painful subcutaneous nodule formation located on the subungual area of the digits is the usual presentation of glomus tumors.…”

“…[ 4 ] Painful subcutaneous nodule formation located on the subungual area of the digits is the usual presentation of glomus tumors. [ 3 ] Extradigital glomus tumors are rare lesions and their diagnosis are often delayed due to the physicians lack of awareness and low level of suspicion. [ 5 ] In this article, five cases of subcutaneous extradigital glomus tumors with sharp pain by digital palpation are presented in conjunction with a short literature review about this commonly misdiagnosed lesion.…”