Immunohistochemical Study of Glomus Tumors / 대한피부과학회지

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Glomus tumor is a benign lesion composed of vessels and glomocytes in varying proportions. Although the histologic features of glomus tumors by light microscopy are characteristic and well recognized, there is controversy as to the histogenesis and cytological characterization of the glomus cell. OBJECTIVE: The aim of the present study was to verify the histopathological origin of a glornus tumor. Method: We investigated 1 cases of glomus tumors for immunohistochemical features. RESULTS: The glomus turnor cells were negative when stained for FactorVIII-related antigen and S-100 protein. Conversely, all materials were found to be positive for actin, vimentin, NSE. Sorne exhibited an equivocal reaction for desmin and CD34, the rest were negative. CONCLUSION: These findings support the hypothesis that the glomus cell is transitional-between smooth muscle and vascular ndothelium-being essentially a modified smooth muscle cell with some endothelial cell properties.