Illustration of a rare cervical condition diagnosis.

Unusual Growth? Understanding Superficial Angiomyxoma of the Cervix

Theo Raines in Health & Wellness December 2025 • 4 min read.

"A rare case study highlights the importance of considering benign mesenchymal tumors in the differential diagnosis of cervical lesions, especially in women of reproductive age."

A superficial angiomyxoma is a rare type of benign mesenchymal tumor, meaning it originates from connective tissue. While these tumors can occur in various parts of the body, their appearance in the cervix is exceedingly uncommon. Due to its rarity, accurate diagnosis is crucial to avoid unnecessary or aggressive treatments.

A recent case study published in the Pan African Medical Journal sheds light on an unusual presentation of superficial angiomyxoma in a 40-year-old woman. The woman presented with a gradually enlarging mass protruding from her vagina, prompting investigation and eventual diagnosis.

This article will delve into the details of this specific case, highlighting the diagnostic process, treatment approach, and the importance of considering rare entities in the differential diagnosis of cervical lesions. By understanding this rare condition, healthcare professionals can be better equipped to provide appropriate care to women presenting with similar symptoms.

Decoding Superficial Angiomyxoma: What This Case Reveals

Illustration of a rare cervical condition diagnosis.

The 40-year-old patient in the case study had no prior medical or surgical history. Her primary complaint was a gradually enlarging mass that was protruding from her vagina. Importantly, she reported no other symptoms such as vaginal discharge, abdominal pain, or urinary issues.

A physical examination using a speculum revealed a pedunculated (meaning it had a stalk), non-tender, brownish, and elastic tumor. The tumor measured 8 x 2 cm and appeared to be arising from the anterior cervix labium. Based on these initial findings, the medical team considered a fibroepithelial polyp or other soft tissue tumors as potential diagnoses.

Here's a breakdown of the diagnostic and treatment process:

Initial Examination: A physical exam revealed a suspicious mass on the cervix.
Microscopic Assessment: The cervix itself appeared normal during the initial examination.
Surgical Excision: Under spinal anesthesia, the doctors performed a circular incision around the base of the tumor, ensuring clear margins (approximately 1 cm of normal tissue) during removal.
Pathological Analysis: A detailed examination of the removed tissue revealed a lobulated tumor containing myxoid stroma (a type of connective tissue) and thin-walled vessels. Notably, the tumor cells, while spindle-shaped, showed no signs of being atypical or rapidly dividing (mitotic).
Diagnosis: Based on these histopathological findings, the final diagnosis was benign superficial angiomyxoma.
Post-operative Care: The patient recovered well and was discharged one day after the surgery. A two-year follow-up revealed no signs of the tumor returning.

This case emphasizes that while superficial angiomyxoma is rare in the cervix, it should be considered as a possible diagnosis when evaluating cervical lesions, especially in women of reproductive age. Accurate diagnosis is key to appropriate management and preventing unnecessary interventions.

The Broader Implications: Why Rare Diagnoses Matter

This case report serves as a valuable reminder that even though some conditions are rare, they can still occur and should be considered in the diagnostic process. By remaining aware of unusual presentations and rare entities, healthcare providers can improve their diagnostic accuracy and provide better patient care.

Superficial angiomyxoma, while benign, can mimic other more serious conditions. This case highlights the importance of thorough histopathological examination to differentiate it from potentially malignant tumors. Accurate diagnosis avoids overtreatment and ensures appropriate management.

Ultimately, continued research and publication of case reports like this one contribute to a growing body of knowledge that benefits both clinicians and patients. Sharing unusual cases helps to raise awareness, improve diagnostic skills, and ultimately optimize patient outcomes.

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: 10.11604/pamj.2017.28.117.13277, Alternate LINK

Title: An Unusual Localisation Of A Superficial Angiomyxoma

Subject: General Medicine

Journal: Pan African Medical Journal

Publisher: Pan African Medical Journal

Authors: Ben Salah Imen, Moukit Mounir

Published: 2017-01-01

Everything You Need To Know

What exactly is superficial angiomyxoma of the cervix, and why is correct identification so important?

Superficial angiomyxoma is a rare, benign tumor originating from mesenchymal or connective tissue. While it can appear in various body locations, it's exceedingly uncommon in the cervix. Its accurate diagnosis is essential to avoid potentially aggressive or unnecessary treatments. If left undiagnosed or misdiagnosed, it could lead to inappropriate interventions, such as more radical surgery than necessary, impacting a woman's reproductive health and future fertility.

Can you walk me through how doctors diagnose superficial angiomyxoma, detailing the key steps and findings?

The diagnosis of superficial angiomyxoma involves a detailed process. It begins with a physical examination to identify any unusual masses. This is followed by surgical excision of the tumor. Crucially, pathological analysis of the removed tissue is performed to examine its cellular structure. Specifically, pathologists look for myxoid stroma and thin-walled vessels, while ensuring the tumor cells lack atypical features or rapid division. The absence of the latter confirms its benign nature, leading to the diagnosis of superficial angiomyxoma.

What were the specific symptoms and initial findings in the superficial angiomyxoma case involving the 40-year-old patient?

The case study featured a 40-year-old woman who presented with a gradually enlarging mass protruding from her vagina. She had no prior relevant medical or surgical history and did not report symptoms like vaginal discharge, abdominal pain, or urinary issues. A physical examination revealed a pedunculated, non-tender, brownish, elastic tumor arising from the anterior cervix labium, measuring 8 x 2 cm. The medical team initially considered diagnoses such as a fibroepithelial polyp or other soft tissue tumors.

What kind of post-operative care is typically involved after the removal of superficial angiomyxoma, and what does the follow-up process look like?

The post-operative care involved monitoring the patient's recovery and conducting follow-up examinations to ensure the superficial angiomyxoma did not recur. In the specific case, the patient recovered well and was discharged one day after surgery. A two-year follow-up revealed no signs of the tumor returning, indicating successful treatment. This highlights the importance of long-term monitoring, even after seemingly successful removal, to detect any potential recurrence.

Why is it so critical for healthcare providers to be aware of rare diagnoses like superficial angiomyxoma, and what are the potential consequences of overlooking them?

The broader implications highlight the importance of considering rare conditions like superficial angiomyxoma in the diagnostic process, especially when evaluating cervical lesions in women of reproductive age. Awareness of such rare entities can improve diagnostic accuracy, prevent unnecessary interventions, and ultimately enhance patient care. Overlooking rare diagnoses can lead to delayed or incorrect treatment, potentially impacting a patient's reproductive health and overall well-being. It also underscores the need for healthcare providers to stay updated on unusual presentations and rare conditions through ongoing medical education and case study reviews.