Clinico-Dermoscopic Aspect and Surgical Procedure of Glomus Tumor

Abstract

Glomus tumors are a benign and vascular hamartoma that originates from the neuromyoarterial cells of the normal glomus apparatus in the reticular dermis. They are relatively rare and have a particular tropism for the nail system. Pain is the master symptom but the diagnosis confirmation is based on histology. The use of nail plate and intraoperative dermoscopy facilitates the diagnosis and helps in the localization and demarcation of the tumor. Complete surgical excision is the curative treatment of choice for these tumors. The transungual method is safe and effective, allowing better visualization, easy exploration, and minimal long-term complications. We report a case of glomus tumor developed in the matrix dermis, and treated transungually with partial proximal nail avulsion. Through this case, we emphasize the pre and intraoperative dermoscopic features, and we detail operative procedure.