Rare tumor in unusual location \u2013 glomus tumor of the finger pulp (clinical and dermoscopic features): a case report

Ghita Senhaji,Ouiame El Jouari,Amina Lamouaffaq,Mouna Rimani,Salim Gallouj,Fatima Zahra Mernissi

doi:10.1186/s13256-018-1721-0

Abstract

BackgroundGlomus tumors are rare, benign, vascular neoplasms arising from the glomus body. Although they can develop in any part of the body, they commonly do so in the upper extremities, most frequently subungual areas. They can be either solitary or multiple. Most typically they present as a small, round, bluish nodule visible through the nail plate with a classic triad of symptoms: hypersensitivity to cold, heightened pinprick sensitivity, and paroxysmal pain. Several tests can help in diagnosing these tumors with multiple imaging tools such as X-ray, magnetic resonance imaging, and ultrasonography. However, only histology can confirm the diagnosis. Complete surgical excision of the tumor is the only effective treatment to achieve pain relief and low recurrence rate.Case presentationWe report here a rare case of a 54-year-old Moroccan Berber woman presenting with a 10-year history of a glomus tumor at an unusual site. Dermoscopy and histology were helpful to confirm the diagnosis.ConclusionsWe aim to discuss clinical, dermoscopical aspects of this tumor and surgical modalities. We also emphasize the importance of keeping this tumor in mind among the possibilities of differential diagnosis of painful digital nodules.

Highlights

Glomus tumors are rare, benign, vascular neoplasms arising from the glomus body
Glomus tumors, as first described by Masson in 1924, are rare, benign, vascular neoplasms arising from the glomus body, which is a contractile neuromyoarterial structure found in the reticular dermis [1], responsible for adjusting blood pressure and temperature by regulating blood flow within the cutis [2]
Here we present a rare case of a histologically confirmed glomus tumor of the pulp, which is an unusual site of such tumors, with a 10-year history of intense pain, cold

Summary

Introduction

Benign, vascular neoplasms arising from the glomus body. they can develop in any part of the body, they commonly do so in the upper extremities, most frequently subungual areas. As first described by Masson in 1924, are rare, benign, vascular neoplasms arising from the glomus body, which is a contractile neuromyoarterial structure found in the reticular dermis [1], responsible for adjusting blood pressure and temperature by regulating blood flow within the cutis [2]. They can develop in any part of the body, they commonly do so in the upper extremities, most frequently in subungual areas [3]. We report here a rare case of a glomus tumor located in an uncommon location, with the patient presenting a

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