A rare late recurrent glomus tumor of the knee: A case report

Abstract

Background: Glomus Tumors (GTs) usually occur in young women, most frequently under the nail. Combined with the relevant medical history and unique signs, a preliminary diagnosis can be made, with confirmation by pathological examination. A few cases are seen outside the nail, generally located in the fingers, toes, and beyond the hands and feet, but these are rare. Extra-nail GT is often misdiagnosed and mistreated because of atypical symptoms or “pain point migration.” Simultaneously, GT often relapses within a short period due to partial resection, which causes great pain and is a serious economic burden to patients. Case presentation: Here in, we report a painful subcutaneous mass on the knee of an elderly man, 63 years old, Han nationality. It was resected 10 years prior and recurred more than 8 years after the operation. The pain was very difficult for the patient to endure. Thus, surgical resection was performed, and the scope of resection was expanded during the operation. There was no recurrence at the 3-year follow-up. Accordingly, we propose a new view on the scope of surgical resection. Conclusion: Generally, GTs should be considered first for local pain in the non-subnail region with constant location, particularly severe pain with tenderness on compression. Complete resection is the key to reducing recurrence. Since the recurrence period can be several years, thorough long-term follow-up should be implemented post-resection.