Glomus tumors of the trachea: 2 case reports and a review of the literature

Glomus tumors (GTs) of the trachea are very rare neoplasms that usually arise from the distal portion of the respiratory tree. The origin of these tumors is modified smooth muscle cells of glomus bodies. In this study, we describe two cases of GT of the trachea, as well as the histologic features of these tumors and their treatments. One tumor was diagnosed via bronchoscopic biopsy, and the other tumor was diagnosed via surgery. Clinical follow-up showed that the two patients are alive and well after 8 and
15 months post-treatment, respectively. We also review the literature regarding GTs and discuss the clinical presentation, histologic features, differential diagnosis, treatment and prognosis of these tumors.