Extra Digital Glomus Tumor: A Rare Cause for Undiagnosed Chronic Pain in Unusual Sites

Abstract

Glomus tumor, also known as Glomangioma, originates in the neuromyoarterial glomus, a normal arteriovenous shunt abundantly supplied with nerve fibres and fulfilling a temperature-regulating function. The classic location of the glomus tumor is the subungual region, but it can occur elsewhere in the skin, soft tissues, nerves, stomach, nasal cavity, and trachea. There is some question as to whether this is a true neoplasm or simply a normal structure. Glomus tumor constitutes 1% to 5% of all hand tumors. It usually occurs at the subungual region and more commonly in aged women. Its classical clinical triad consists of pain, tenderness, and temperature intolerance, especially cold sensitivity. Glomus tumors are usually benign, but on rare occasions may exhibit an uncertain or malignant behavior as with glomangiosarcoma. In this article, we present a case of a 60-year-old female patient diagnosed with extradigital glomus tumor of the palm of right hand.

Solitary Glomus Tumor on the Base of the Right Thumb: A Rare Case Report and a Literature Review from Saudi Arabia

“…Most often, extra-digital glomus tumors present as painful nodules on the arms, legs, trunk, head or any internal organs. 3 The absence of the typical GT-related cold sensitivity along with atypical location of the lesion can often delay its diagnosis. 4,5 Though most glomus tumors are benign, malignant ones can typically measure over 2 centimeters and affect the visceral organs.…”