Rare Vascular Malformations: A Case of Glomangioma and Literature Synopsis

Summary: Background: Glomus tumors and glomangiomas are rare conditions arising from glomus bodies, specialized arteriovenous anastomoses involved in thermoregulation. Although they share a common origin, these entities exhibit distinct clinical, histological, and management characteristics. Case: 15 years old female present with multiple painless soft compressible blue nodules on face, back, arms, and feet for 5 years. Histology showed dilatation of thin-walled large vessels. Vascular spaces are lined by single or multilayer monomorphous cells. Cells has dark round nuclei w/ little eosinophilic cytoplasm which stain with smooth muscle actin making them glomus cells. Discussion: Glomus tumors are benign neoplasms that predominantly occur as solitary, painful lesions on distal extremities, often beneath the nails. In contrast, glomangiomas are vascular malformations with glomus cells, presenting as less painful or painless, bluish-purple lesions, which may occur in multiple locations. The accurate differentiation of glomus tumors from glomangiomas is critical for optimal patient management. While glomus tumors are typically solitary, symptomatic, and curable with surgery, glomangiomas are often multiple, less symptomatic, and require a more tailored approach based on the extent of the disease. Both conditions are benign, and their prognosis is excellent when appropriately treated.