J Korean Orthop Assoc.
1997 Jun;32(3):725-730.
Glomus Tumor in the Hand
Abstract
- Glomus tumor arises from the subcutaneous glomus body, which is an arteriovenous anastomosis involved in the regulation of cutaneous blood circulation and are widely distributed in the body, especially the hand. Twelve patients (male 3, female 9) with glomus tumors of the hand, who were operated from Jan. 1986 to Dec. 1994 were selected. The lesions were distributed in the distal phalanges of the thumb (6 cases), the index (3 cases), the ring finger (2 cases) and the little finger (1 case). All patients had the classic triad of symtoms: pain, tenderness and temperature sensitivity. Palpable mass (4 cases) and bluish purple discoloration in the skin (6 cases) were also presented. They had no trauma history and on the roentgenography, bone change detected in 2 cases. A simple excision with partial nail extraction was done in all cases. The symtoms were disappeared in all cases and no recurrence was found. For a complete cure, meticulous complete excision is the only recommended treatment.