title: Glomus tumour: a retrospective review of 15 years experience in a single institution.
abstract: Glomus tumours (GT), neoplasms of the glomus body comprise 4.5% of upper limb tumours. Seventy-five per cent of these occur in the hand, and most are subungual (50%). We performed a literature review and retrospective search of histopathologically confirmed GT seen from 1995 to 2009. Fifteen patients were identified, with an average age of 49.6 years. Eight were in the hand, 2 in the upper limb, 2 lower limb and 3 in the ear. Eighty-six per cent presented with pain and 50% underwent radiological investigation. Most diagnoses followed biopsy findings. Surgical excision resulted in a recurrence rate of 13%. The average time to diagnosis was 3.3 years. The average duration of symptoms was 7 to 11 years with an average of 2 to 3 consultations prediagnosis. MRI remains the most useful imaging modality (82 to 90% sensitivity). Excision biopsy is the most common treatment. Greater awareness is needed for quicker diagnosis.
  
  
  BACKGROUND
  Glomus Tumour, Presentation, Imaging, Recurrence.
authors.affiliation: Department of Orthopaedics, Hospital Tengku Ampuan Afzan, Pahang, Malaysia.
authors.forename: Rashdeen
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Fazwi
authors.affiliation: Department of Pathology, Universiti Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
authors.forename: Patricia Ann
authors.initials: PA
authors.lastname: Chandran
authors.affiliation: National Orthopaedic Centre of Excellence in Research and Learning (NOCERAL), Universiti Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
authors.forename: T Sara
authors.initials: TS
authors.lastname: Ahmad