Glomus Tumor of the Thumb

Clinical Cases 23.06.2006
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Section: Musculoskeletal system
Case Type: Clinical Cases
Patient: 31 years, male
Authors: Alessandro Volpe, Antonio Marchetta
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Details
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AI Report

Clinical History

Painful nodule of the tip of the right thumb.

Imaging Findings

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.

Discussion

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).

Differential Diagnosis List

Glomus tumor of the finger

Final Diagnosis

Glomus tumor of the finger

Liscense

Figures

Glomus tumor of the finger

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Glomus tumor of the finger

Glomus tumor of the finger

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Glomus tumor of the finger