Glomus tumors, typically localized in digits, palms, and soles, rarely occur in the posterior cervical region. This case report describes a unique presentation of an epithelioid glomus tumor in a 49-year-old male with a history of progressive occipital headaches. A 49-year-old male, referred with a five-year history of worsening occipital headaches, presented a palpable lesion in the right suboccipital area. MRI identified a 2.3 cm subcutaneous lesion adjacent to the right occipital artery, raising initial suspicion of a schwannoma. Subsequent excisional biopsy unveiled an unexpected diagnosis - an epithelioid glomus tumor. The rarity of glomus tumors in the posterior cervical region, coupled with their potential to mimic neurogenic tumors like schwannomas, underscores the diagnostic complexity. This encounter of a glomus tumor in an uncommon posterior cervical location serves as a pertinent reminder for neurosurgeons to consider atypical differentials. This case underscores the need for heightened clinical vigilance when faced with unusual presentations in neurosurgical practice.
Keywords: glomus tumor; neurogenic pain; neurosurgery; pain management; rare tumors.
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