Glomus tumor of gastric antrum: A rare differential

Abstract

Introduction: Gastric glomus tumor is a rare clinical entity. Surgical excision could be avoided in selected patients if the diagnosis of glomus tumor could be made preoperatively. Cross-sectional imaging and endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) provide vital clues to nudge us in the right direction; however, these are inconclusive. Histopathology remains the gold standard for diagnosis of this condition. Case Report: We report a case of a man in his 60s who presented to the surgical outpatient clinic with long-standing history of abdominal bloating and discomfort. Upper gastrointestinal endoscopy revealed a submucosal lesion, and contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CECT) of the abdomen revealed a homogeneously enhancing lesion in the antrum of the stomach. Following successful surgical excision, histopathological examination established the diagnosis of gastric glomus tumor. This case presentation elaborates on the clinical features of this rare clinical entity and the various options available for diagnosis and management. Conclusion: Glomus tumors are rare mesenchymal tumors that need to be differentiated from other submucosal lesions and should be considered as a differential for submucosal lesions in the distal stomach. Endoscopic ultrasound and CT findings may provide clues to guide us toward the diagnosis; however, diagnosis can be confirmed only with histopathology. Surgical excision with negative margins either by laparoscopic or open operation is the treatment of choice.