Glomus Tumor

These are benign, vascular hamartomatous derivatives of the glomus body.  A Glomus body is a normal intradermal arteriovenous anastomosis that arises from the neuromyoarterial glomus. They regulate skin temperature. They are present in the tips of the digits, particularly in the subungal areas. Histologic findings include endothelial pericytes and numerous nonmyelinated nerve fibers. Glomus tumors account for approximately 1% of all hand tumors and are even less common in children.  Glomus tumors are more common in women between 30 and 50 years of age and generally occur spontaneously. Glomus tumors present as a classic triad of severe pain, point tenderness, and cold sensitivity.

 

Mass present just proximal to the eponychial fold is evident on this finger. It was associated with point tenderness, pain and cold intolerance.

 

 

 

 

 

Lateral X-ray of the distal phalanx reveals a bony lucency from external pressure the Tumor was exerting on the bone.

 

 

 

 

 

 

The tumor is being exposed along the lateral hyponychium of the digit and excised in its entirety. The patients pain and other symptoms resolved almost immediately post-operatively.