Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Glomus tumours in the skin and subcutis of three horses.
- Journal:
- Veterinary dermatology
- Year:
- 2011
- Authors:
- Burns, Rachel E et al.
- Affiliation:
- San Diego Zoo's Institute for Conservation Research · United States
- Species:
- horse
Plain-English summary
Three horses were found to have painful lumps on their heads or necks, which were diagnosed as glomus tumors, a type of growth that can occur in the skin. These lumps varied in size from about the size of a marble to a small grapefruit and were located in the deeper layers of the skin and sometimes involved nearby muscle. Under the microscope, the tumors showed specific cell patterns and characteristics that confirmed their diagnosis, with some tumors being classified as malignant, meaning they could spread. Unfortunately, one horse had to be put to sleep because of complications from the tumor returning and issues related to treatment. Overall, the treatment outcomes varied, with one horse facing serious complications.
Abstract
Three horses presented with variably painful, nonulcerated masses of the head or neck that were diagnosed as glomus tumours. Grossly, they were fleshy, pink to tan masses ranging from 0.4 to 9 cm in diameter, involving either the deep dermis and subcutis or the subcutis and underlying skeletal muscle. Microscopically, neoplastic epithelioid cells were arranged in sheets, cords and packets within lobules. The neoplastic cells frequently abutted and formed nodular bulges into large endothelium-lined vascular spaces, especially around the tumour periphery. Large nerve branches were associated with each tumour. As determined by immunohistochemistry, the neoplastic cells consistently expressed α-smooth muscle actin and vimentin, and some cells in two of the cases expressed desmin. A laminin- or collagen IV-positive basement membrane was demonstrated around individual tumour cells or small groups of cells in all three cases. Morphological features and immunohistochemistry supported the diagnosis of glomus tumour, most consistent with the solid type in humans. Applying a classification system used in humans, two of these tumours met criteria of malignancy (glomangiosarcomas). One horse was euthanized due to complications associated with recurrence and treatment-related necrosis and secondary infection.
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Search related cases →Original publication: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21223382/