Glomus Tumor

Abstract

Glomus tumors are rare, usually benign, vascular hamartomas consisting cells resembling the smooth muscle cells of the normal glomus body. They can be solitary or multiple, whereas solitary tumors are majorly located on the digits. Digital glomus tumors most commonly appear in subungual region and show a strong female predominance. There are several classical symptoms, clinical tests, and imaging tools, such as X-ray, magnetic resonance imaging, and ultrasonography, which can provide good accuracy for clinical diagnosis. However, misdiagnosis and delayed diagnosis are still commonly observed because primary physicians are unfamiliar with classical symptoms and clinical tests. Complete surgical excision often can result in complete relief of symptoms. Recurrence is largely caused by incomplete excision, but repeated image study is recommended to rule out new or malignant lesions. This series is a retrospective review of 50 cases with glomus tumors managed at our institute. We aim to review the key aspects of glomus tumor and provide a simple guideline for earlier diagnosis and treatment.

A painless glomus tumor: a case report

“…Glomus tumor is known as a benign and vascular hamartoma containing all the neuromyoarterial cells of the normal glomus apparatus [ 1 ]. These glomus bodies are contractile tissue and are primarily responsible for local temperature and blood pressure modulation, and they accomplish this by controlling blood flow through microvasculature [ 4 ].…”

“…Young adults, mostly women, are primarily affected [ 5 ]. The tumor most commonly arises in the fingertips and the pulp [ 1 ]. It usually presents as a small, slightly raised, bluish or pinkish-red, painful nodule, and when subungual in location, can elevate, deform and discolor the nail [ 2 ].…”

“…Glomus tumor is a benign and vascular hamartoma that originates from the neuromyoarterial cells of the normal glomus apparatus in the reticular dermis [ 1 ]. It accounts for 1–5% of soft tissue tumors of the hand [ 2 ].…”

A Rare Case of Glomus Tumour on the Knee: Case Report and Literature Review

“…In all except 4 cases, the lesions were located on the anterior side of the knee, such as the patella, medial joint line and lateral side of the knee, while 4 patients (Patients 2, 4, 8, and 25) had lesions on the posterior side of the knee. The depth of lesions was described in 24 cases (information on histological location of the Tumour was absent for Patients 2,4,8,13,15,25,and 27). Generally (18 cases), lesions were located in the skin, including the dermis (Patient 29), subcutaneous tissue ( Patients 1,3,5,6,7,10,11,12,14,16,17,18,21,22,24,26), and subcutaneous tissue~outside the skin (Patient 19).…”

“…Glomus tumour is an uncommon benign hamartoma derived from the glomus body [1][2][3][4]. This Tumour is most often found in the skin, particularly the subungual region and palm, followed by the foot and forearm.…”