Painful nodule of the tip of the right thumb.
The patient was referred to our musculockeletal ultrasound ambulatory for hypersensitivity and severe pain at the tip of the right thumb. On physical examination, the skin of the digit was normal. A painful, well-defined nodule, located at the center of thumb's tip of the right hand was palpable. Radiograph was negative. Ultrasonography showed an oval (7x3 milimiter), well-defined nodule in the subcutaneous tissue of the volar aspect of the tip. The nodule was hypoechoicl and the Power Doppler shows a clear vascularization. The tumor was surgically removed anc histological examination confirmed the clinical diagnosis of glomus tumor.
Glomus tumor of the finger is a benign tumor that depelops from the neurommyoarterial elements of the glomus body, wich is specialised arteriovenous anastomosis involved in the thermoregulation. Most glomus tumours are localised in the distal phalanx. It is a small tumour with a subungual or pulpar localisation and with typical symptoms consisting of the triad pain, cold intolerance, and very localised tenderness (1). As long as there is no bony erosion, plain X-Ray can not be helpful. In this case US is an useful and inexpensive tool to confirm the tumor features and location. US shows a hypoechoic nodule with prominent vascularity. Prior knowledge of the exact site and size of the glomus tumor facilitates excision and appears to reduce rates of recurrence (2).
Glomus tumor of the finger
Based on the ultrasound images, there is a small nodule in the distal pulp area or beneath the nail of the right thumb. It presents as a hypoechoic lesion (or hypoechoic area) with a significant blood flow signal on color Doppler. The lesion’s boundary is relatively clear, and the local structure appears intact. There is no obvious sign of bone destruction.
Taking into account the patient’s clinical symptoms (fingertip pain, cold sensitivity), highly localized tenderness, and the ultrasound findings of rich blood supply, the most likely diagnosis is a glomus tumor of the fingertip (thumb). This benign tumor originates from specialized arteriovenous anastomoses (glomus bodies) in the fingertip, most commonly found under the nail or in the pulp, with characteristic clinical manifestations including stabbing pain, localized sensitivity, and cold-induced pain.
If uncertainty remains or if further clarification is required, an MRI examination may be considered to better delineate the lesion; if necessary, a surgical excision followed by pathological examination can confirm the diagnosis.
This report is based solely on the provided imaging and clinical history, serving as a reference analysis. It is not a substitute for in-person diagnosis or professional medical advice. Patients should follow the treatment and rehabilitation recommendations of their specialized physicians.
Glomus tumor of the finger