Distribution of Glomus Tumors in Fingers

Moon,  Eun Sun; Choi,  Min Sun; Kim,  Myung Sun; Kong,  Il Kyu; Kim,  Byoung Jin

Journal of the Korean Society for Surgery of the Hand 2009;14(3):138-143.
Published online September 1, 2009.

Eun Sun Moon, Min Sun Choi, Myung Sun Kim, Il Kyu Kong, Byoung Jin Kim

Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Chonnam National University Hospital, Gwangju, Korea. minsunchoios@gmail.com

Abstract

Purpose
Glomus tumor has known as smaller than 1 cm, hard to palpate, therefore patients often suffer from chronic pain. Based on our experiences about glomus tumors, we would like to evaluate their distributions. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study includes 24 cases that underwent surgery for clinically diagnosed glomus tumor from January, 2001 to May, 2009. Clinical symptoms were firstly evaluated and ultrasonography in 8 cases and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) in 5 cases were performed for more accurate diagnosis and localization. Complete resection with biopsy was done in all cases.

Results
According to pathologic findings, 20 out of 24 cases were reported as glomus tumor, and the other 4 cases were 2 fibrous tumor with chronic inflammation, 1 hemangioma, and 1 neuroma. Twenty glomus tumors at dorsal side under the nail were distributed to proximal radial in 11 cases, proximal ulnar in 6 cases, distal radial in 2 cases and distal ulnar in 1 case. Tumors were more frequently found at proximal in 17 cases(85%) and at radial side in 13 cases(65%).

Conclusions
Glomus tumors tend to occur under nail of proximal and radial part. We think that accurate diagnosis and location of glomus tumors are needed to complete surgical resection.