DermNet provides Google Translate, a free machine translation service. Note that this may not provide an exact translation in all languages
Home » Topics A–Z » Glomangioma pathology
Author: Adjunct A/Prof Patrick Emanuel, Dermatopathologist, Clinica Ricardo Palma, Lima, Peru. DermNet NZ Editor-in-Chief: Adjunct A/Prof Amanda Oakley. Copy edited by Gus Mitchell. June 2018.
Glomangiomas (also called glomuvenous malformation) differ clinically from glomus tumors in that they occur in childhood and adolescence, are usually asymptomatic, do not have a predilection for the subungal region, and often are multifocal. They can vary in colour from pink-to-blue and often become darker with age; they may be plaque-like or nodular. Multiple glomangiomas are rare and comprise about 10 percent of all glomus tumours.
In glomangioma, the histopathology shows dilated venous channels that resemble venous malformations (figures 1, 2). Unlike venous malformations, they demonstrate single to multiple rows of surrounding cuboidal glomus cells (figures 3,4).
The glomus cells stain positively for vimentin and α-smooth-muscle actin but are negative for desmin, von Willibrand factor, and S-100.
Other diagnoses to be considered include:
See smartphone apps to check your skin.
[Sponsored content]
See the DermNet NZ bookstore.
© 2021 DermNet New Zealand Trust.
DermNet NZ does not provide an online consultation service. If you have any concerns with your skin or its treatment, see a dermatologist for advice.