The hidden cause of chronic finger pain: Glomus Tumor - A Case Report.

Anca Bordianu,Dragos Zamfirescu

doi:10.25122/jml-2018-0060

Anca Bordianu, Dragos Zamfirescu

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.25122/jml-2018-0060

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Abstract

Glomus tumors are frequently associated with pain, tenderness and cold sensitivity.We report the diagnosis and successful surgical management of a case of a classic glomus tumor in a young woman.The clinical diagnosis was made on the basis of medical history and MRI findings. The lesion was excised via a dorsolateral subungual approach, leading to the complete resolution of symptoms. Histology confirmed the lesion to be a glomus tumor.Glomus tumors are painful subungual lesions. They produce a throbbing or lancinating local discomfort, cold-sensitivity, and severe pain following minor trauma. The diagnosis is confirmed by histology, but the clinical diagnosis is highly suggestive. Complete excision will usually relieve pain. Recurrence is common following incomplete resection.

Highlights

Glomus tumors are rare, benign perivascular hamartomas of the glomus apparatus
Glomus tumors are usually under one centimeter in size and consist histologically of glomus bodies. They present as a faint, blue-red subungual papule associated with a classic triad of symptoms: local sensitivity, pain with cold exposure, and severe pain following minor trauma [2]
Small, benign neoplasms most commonly noted on the hand, especially the fingers

Summary

Introduction

Benign perivascular hamartomas of the glomus apparatus. In rare cases, large visceral lesions may be malignant [1].Glomus tumors are usually under one centimeter in size and consist histologically of glomus bodies. Benign perivascular hamartomas of the glomus apparatus. Large visceral lesions may be malignant [1]. Glomus tumors are usually under one centimeter in size and consist histologically of glomus bodies. They present as a faint, blue-red subungual papule associated with a classic triad of symptoms: local sensitivity, pain with cold exposure, and severe pain following minor trauma [2]. Glomus tumors develop from modified glomus cells which are specialized smooth muscle cells that function as chemoreceptors [3]. The normal function of glomus cells is to regulate blood flow in capillaries in response to changes in temperature

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