An unusually large superficial angiomyxoma with delayed presentation due to COVID-19: a case report

Abstract

Background: Superficial angiomyxoma is a rare, benign, soft-tissue tumour. It has a non-specific presentation and there is no clear diagnostic investigation. Therefore, it is usually not suspected pre-operatively and managed incorrectly with a biopsy or narrow margin excision, which increases the recurrence rate. Case presentation: A case of an unusually large superficial angiomyxoma is described with a delayed presentation to a plastic surgery clinic due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The patient was a 53-year-old male with an atraumatic 8x4 cm subcutaneous, mobile swelling to the left thigh. Excision was performed with no evidence of recurrence at six months. The mass was an uniloculated cyst with gelatinous myxoid stroma. Immunohistochemistry was positive for Alcian blue and CD34. Conclusion: This case report raises awareness of this rare lesion and provides a review of diagnostic aids as well as clear intra-operative photography of what a surgeon might expect when this tumour is encountered.