Neurosurgery
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Angioleiomyoma (ALM) is a rare, benign smooth muscle tumor that can occur anywhere in the body. Diagnosis is usually delayed due to the unfamiliar location and presentation of the lesion. This tumor is not frequently discussed in neurosurgical publications as part of the differential diagnosis of painful subcutaneous lesions. To our knowledge, this is the first report of a neurosurgical presentation of ALM within an extremity. ⋯ Neurosurgeons should keep ALM in the differential diagnosis of painful extremity lesions. Localization using a fiducial marker directly overlying the area of suspicion is useful for the neurosurgeon and also for the radiologist so that the lesion may not be overlooked. Unnecessary interventions for the patient may be avoided with appropriate diagnosis, and surgical resection provides complete cure of the symptoms.