Illustration of hand with vascular system highlighting angioleiomyoma.

Angioleiomyoma in the Finger: What You Need to Know

Lena Voss in Health & Wellness December 2025 • 4 min read.

"A rare case study sheds light on the diagnosis and treatment of this benign soft tissue tumor."

Angioleiomyomas are benign tumors that originate from the smooth muscle cells within blood vessel walls. While these tumors are more commonly found in the lower extremities and in middle-aged women, they can occur anywhere in the body and affect individuals of any age or gender. Due to the rarity, any information can be useful to know about.

A recent case study highlights an unusual occurrence of an angioleiomyoma in the left third finger of a 31-year-old man. This case is significant because it demonstrates the importance of considering angioleiomyomas in the differential diagnosis of soft tissue masses, even in atypical locations.

This article aims to provide an overview of angioleiomyomas, focusing on their diagnosis and characteristics. Drawing from the case study, we will explore the symptoms, imaging findings, and treatment approaches relevant to understanding this rare condition.

Understanding Angioleiomyomas: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment

Illustration of hand with vascular system highlighting angioleiomyoma.

Angioleiomyomas typically manifest as small, often painful masses. These tumors, usually less than 2 cm in diameter, are freely movable beneath the skin. While pain is a common symptom, not all angioleiomyomas are painful. The presented case is a rare occurance where the patient didn't experience any pain.

Diagnosing angioleiomyomas involves a combination of physical examination and imaging techniques. Key diagnostic tools include:

Doppler Sonography: Uses sound waves to visualize blood flow and can reveal multiple vascular structures within the mass.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI): Provides detailed images of soft tissues, helping to delineate the tumor's size, location, and characteristics. MRI can show specific features like a fibrous capsule or serpentine structures within the tumor.
Biopsy: Ultimately, a biopsy and pathological examination are necessary to confirm the diagnosis. Microscopic analysis reveals compact smooth muscle cells surrounding blood vessels.

Treatment typically involves surgical removal of the tumor. In the reported case, the tumor was successfully resected, and microscopic examination confirmed the diagnosis of a solid-type angioleiomyoma. The good news is that, when caught in time, the patient can resume their normal life after removal.

The Importance of Awareness and Early Detection

While angioleiomyomas are rare, this case highlights the importance of considering them in the differential diagnosis of soft tissue masses. Early detection and accurate diagnosis are crucial for appropriate management and treatment.

If you notice a persistent or growing mass, especially in the extremities, it's essential to seek medical evaluation. Prompt diagnosis can prevent unnecessary anxiety and ensure timely intervention.

By increasing awareness and understanding of angioleiomyomas, medical professionals and the public can work together to ensure optimal outcomes for individuals affected by this rare condition.

About this Article -

This article was crafted using a human-AI hybrid and collaborative approach. AI assisted our team with initial drafting, research insights, identifying key questions, and image generation. Our human editors guided topic selection, defined the angle, structured the content, ensured factual accuracy and relevance, refined the tone, and conducted thorough editing to deliver helpful, high-quality information.See our About page for more information.

This article is based on research published under:

DOI-LINK: 10.3348/jksr.2011.64.6.599, Alternate LINK

Title: Radiologic Findings Of An Angioleiomyoma Of The Finger: A Case Report

Subject: Radiology, Nuclear Medicine and imaging

Journal: Journal of the Korean Society of Radiology

Publisher: The Korean Society of Radiology

Authors: Bo Seong Jeong, Jae Chan Shim, Ji Young Kim, Yoon Kyeng Kang, Jae Myeong Lee, Mi Young Nam, Ghi Jai Lee, Ho Kyun Kim

Published: 2011-01-01

Everything You Need To Know

What exactly is an angioleiomyoma, and who is typically affected by it?

Angioleiomyomas are benign tumors that originate from the smooth muscle cells within blood vessel walls. They're most commonly found in the lower extremities of middle-aged women, but can really occur anywhere in the body and affect anyone of any age or gender. While benign, it's important to recognize these tumors as early detection is critical for successful treatment and patient recovery.

How are angioleiomyomas typically diagnosed, and what role does each diagnostic method play?

Diagnosis typically involves a combination of physical examination and imaging techniques. Doppler sonography is used to visualize blood flow, which can help reveal vascular structures within the mass. MRI provides detailed images of soft tissues to delineate the tumor's size, location, and characteristics. However, the definitive diagnosis relies on a biopsy and pathological examination, where microscopic analysis confirms the presence of compact smooth muscle cells surrounding blood vessels.

What is the standard treatment for angioleiomyomas, and what is the typical outcome after treatment?

The primary treatment for angioleiomyomas is surgical removal of the tumor. The case described involved successful resection of a solid-type angioleiomyoma. The prognosis after complete removal is generally very good, allowing patients to resume their normal lives. Recurrence is rare after complete excision, so follow-up is usually focused on monitoring for any new masses or symptoms.

Is pain always a symptom of angioleiomyomas?

While pain is a common symptom associated with Angioleiomyomas, not all of them are painful. The absence of pain, as highlighted in the case on the finger, can make diagnosis more challenging. This variability in symptoms underscores the importance of considering angioleiomyomas even when pain is not present, especially when dealing with soft tissue masses.

Why is accurate diagnosis so critical when it comes to angioleiomyomas?

Because Angioleiomyomas can mimic other soft tissue masses, misdiagnosis can lead to unnecessary delays in treatment or even inappropriate interventions. For example, lipomas, cysts, or even more aggressive tumors might be initially suspected. Therefore, clinicians need to maintain a high level of suspicion and utilize appropriate diagnostic tools like MRI and biopsy to differentiate angioleiomyomas from other conditions, ensuring timely and effective management.