Glomus Tumors

A Glomus Tumor is a rare, usually benign, soft tissue neoplasm. The glomus apparatus (or glomus body) is a part of the dermal layer of the skin and is thought to aid in temperature regulation. While they are located all over the body, glomus apparati are found in higher concentrations in the fingers and toes. Abnormal growth of a glomus body results in Glomus Tumors.

Glomus Tumors usually occur in people 20 to 50 years of age but are more frequent in young adults. More common in women, 70% of Glomus Tumors present in the hand with the clear majority occurring underneath the nail bed. Most of the nodules are solitary but can occur in clusters. Glomus Tumors represent 1 to 5% of all soft tissue tumors in the hand and fingers.

The etiology of Glomus Tumors is unknown.

Glomus Tumors usually present as a small, firm, reddish-blue bump underneath the fingernail. These lesions are usually quite small, less than 7mm in diameter. They can be extremely painful, are sensitive to temperature change, and painful on touching. The mass can cause the nail bed to grow irregularly with ridging..

Glomus Tumors often require a specialist for accurate diagnosis. Upon examination the mass may appear as a bluish lesion under the nail or in the fingertip pulp. There may be an abnormal ridge in the nail, swelling at the tip and the nodule will be tender to touch. X-rays may show deformity or erosion in the distal phalanx if the mass is long standing, otherwise the films may appear normal. MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) is the gold standard for diagnosis.

Surgical excision of the tumor is the only treatment modality. The symptoms of pain and cold intolerance are immediately relieved, and the nail will grow back to normal appearance in 3 to 4 months.