Glomus tumors of the upper extremity: experience with twelve cases.
BACKGROUND
The glomus tumor is an uncommon tumor of the hand, which presents with much pain. It is a benign neoplasm composed of a glomus body, which is located in the dermis. Glomus tumors present a classic clinical picture of pain, sensitivity to cold and local tenderness over the lesion.


METHODS
Twelve patients underwent surgical removal for glomus tumors of the upper extremity from 1983 to 1992. There were three males and nine females; their average age was 37 years (25 to 60 years). The clinical manifestations were pain and local tenderness in 12 patients, and cold intolerance in 6 patients.


RESULTS
There was a difference in gender in the anatomical site of the tumor. In three male patients, only one tumor was found in the digit. In female patients, all nine tumors were located in the digits. The average tumor size was 0.6 cm in diameter. After follow-up of 4.5 years (average), no recurrence, no residual pain or cold intolerance was noted.


CONCLUSIONS
The treatment of glomus tumor consisted of local excision or curettage, with or without reconstruction of the nail bed. Recurrence is not a problem after complete removal of the tumor tissue. Permanent nail deformity is still a problem. Efforts to prevent this sequelae are worth trying.
Chen
W C
WC
Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Taichung Veterans General Hospital, Taiwan, R.O.C.
Lee
T S
TS
Ku
M C
MC
Hsu
K C
KC
D000328:Adult; D001132:Arm; D005260:Female; D005385:Fingers; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D005918:Glomus Tumor / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009262:Nails; D012878:Skin Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000601:surgery*