Neurofibroma with glomus-like bodies: A novel association-Thoughts about origin.

A neurofibroma with focal glomus-like body differentiation is an unusual phenomenon recently encountered in an excision specimen from the right lateral distal forearm of a 26-year-old man. Glomus cells are modified smooth muscle cells normally present in glomus-like bodies but can also be found in glomus tumors (GT) or lesions considered in the spectrum of GT, including myopericytoma, myofibroma, and angiolipoma. Neurofibromas are peripheral nerve sheath tumors derived from the neural crest cells. While both GT and its variants and neurofibroma are thought to be derived from different cell types, there is growing evidence that glomus cells have a neural crest origin. This is based on multiple theories, with some overlapping pathways, including neural crest cell differentiation, Schwann cell reprogramming, VEGF expression, and NF1 gene biallelic inactivation. This report adds to the growing evidence of possible neural crest origin for glomus cells and would help explain finding glomus-like bodies scattered through a neurofibroma.

Ossifying Fibromyxoid Tumor: A Rare Subcutaneous Tumor.

Description The following case study demonstrates a 26-year-old male that presented to the dermatology clinic with an enlarging, raised skin nodule located on the left inferior lateral lower back. The patient reported it had persisted for two years, and he had not received prior treatment. He noted a family history of nonmelanoma skin cancer but had no other dermatological issues in the past. Physical examination revealed a pink, firm and well-circumscribed subcutaneous mass with a prominent follicular pore. It was assumed the lesion was an epidermal inclusion cyst, and surgical excision was performed. Histopathology revealed lobules of epithelioid cells with indistinct cytoplasm in a fibromyxoid hyalinized matrix surrounded by lamellar bone and a collagenous pseudocapsule. Immunohistochemical staining showed moderate desmin immunoreactivity and negative immunoreactivity for CD34, S-100, EMA, actin and pancytokeratin. Based on the findings, a diagnosis of ossifying fibromyxoid tumor was made. Given the uncertain biological potential of this lesion, re-excision was performed. No residual tumor was identified on repeat pathological evaluation. The patient was scheduled for close follow-up to survey for recurrence or possible metastasis.