Arch Hand Microsurg.  2022 Mar;27(1):68-71. 10.12790/ahm.21.0142.

Intraneural glomus tumor within the digital nerve: a case report

• Kim S

• KMID: 2526651
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.12790/ahm.21.0142

Abstract

A glomus tumor is a soft tissue tumor that arises from the glomus body, a peripheral organ responsible for regulating skin temperature. It accounts for about 1% to 5% of tumors occurring in the hand, is mainly located in the subungual region, and is less than 1 cm in size. The diagnosis is mainly based on clinical symptoms, and the main symptoms are pain at the site of the glomus tumor, pinpoint tenderness, and cold intolerance. The pain is severe and usually requires surgical resection, and the results of complete resection of the tumor are good. This case report presents a 37-year-old female patient who developed pain in the radial side around the proximal interphalangeal joint of the right second finger without any traumatic history. On physical examination and imaging, a glomus tumor of the digital nerve was diagnosed and resected. After surgery, the symptoms improved and there was no recurrence. A careful examination and accurate diagnosis and treatment are necessary for symptomatic masses.

Keyword

Glomus tumor; Digital nerve; Intraneural tumor

Figure

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  Fig. 1. Magnetic resonance imaging of the right second finger. (A) The arrow shows a glomus tumor at the level of the around the proximal interphalangeal joint (T1-weighted coronal and axial noncontrast). (B) T1-weighted coronal and axial images using a contrast agent (gadolinium); strong enhancement was observed.

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  Fig. 2. Intraoperative photograph shows the glomus tumor (arrow) within the radial digital nerve, with a relatively thick and non-smooth surface.

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  Fig. 3. Histology findings (×200). (A) Branching capillary-sized vessels lined by endothelial cells surrounded by collars of uniform glomus cells forming nests, sheets, and trabeculae in the myxoid stroma (hematoxylin and eosin staining); positive for CD34 protein (B), positive for smooth muscle antigen (C), negative for S-100 protein (D).

Reference

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