The use of ultrasonography in preoperative localization of digital glomus tumors.
Small glomus tumors of the digits of the hand are difficult to excise and may be associated with relatively high rates of recurrence. This study was designed to prospectively evaluate the utility of preoperative ultrasound localization of such tumors to facilitate removal and to reduce recurrence rates. During a 5-year period, 34 patients clinically diagnosed with glomus tumors involving their digits were examined with high-resolution ultrasonography (5 to 9 MHz). Color duplex sonography was further applied if flow characteristics were identified. The ultrasound-predicted and actual intraoperative sizes were correlated and analyzed using the paired t test. Patients were followed for 1 to 6 years, and results were documented. Sonography showed a hypoechoic nodule with prominent vascularity between the nail body and the dorsal cortex of the distal phalanx in all subungual tumors. Complete resection was possible in all 35 glomus tumors, with assistance by accurate preoperative ultrasound localization. There was no long-term recurrence among the 29 patients available for evaluation 1 to 6 years postoperatively. Ultrasonography has great advantages in defining the exact location and size of the glomus tumor preoperatively. Prior knowledge of the exact site and size of the glomus tumor facilitates excision and appears to reduce rates of recurrence. The collaboration between hand surgeons and radiologists is useful to successfully treat glomus tumors of the digit.
Chen
Samuel Huan-Tang
SH
Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan. prsatw@ms34.hinet.net
Chen
Yao-Liang
YL
Cheng
Ming-Huei
MH
Yeow
Kee-Min
KM
Chen
Hung-Chi
HC
Wei
Fu-Chan
FC
D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D005385:Fingers / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery; D005918:Glomus Tumor / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000601:surgery; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009364:Neoplasm Recurrence, Local / Q000517:prevention & control; D011446:Prospective Studies; D018615:Ultrasonography, Doppler, Color