Glomus tumor patient information

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Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Roukoz A. Karam, M.D.[2]

Overview

Glomus tumors are benign, small, white bluish growths found in the hand, wrist, foot, and under fingernails. Glomus tumors are usually painful and the pain increases when placed in cold water.

What are the Symptoms of Glomus tumor?

Episodes of pain radiating away from the lesion, often out of proportion relative to the small size of the tumor.

Pain can be reproduced by placing in cold water.

What Causes Glomus tumor?

Evidence regarding the causes of glomus tumor remain insufficient.

Who is at Highest Risk?

Women area t higher risk of developing single glomus tumors while multiple glomus tumors are more commonly seen among males.

Glomus tumors that occur as a single lesion are usually more frequent in adults. On the other hand, glomus tumors with multiple lesions are more commonly seen around 15 years earlier than the single lesions.

Diagnosis

Glomus tumor is diagnosed based on clinical presentation and the history of the patient.

An MRI of the finger may help with the diagnosis in cases of unsure diagnoses.

Treatment Options

Excision of the benign glomus tumor surgically is the most preferred treatment option.

What to expect Prognosis?

Prognosis is generally excellent for single glomus tumors tumors treated with wide excision.

However, the prognosis is poor for malignant glomus tumors with widespread metastases.

Possible complications

Malignant glomus tumors, or glomangiosarcomas, are extremely rare; however, metastases do occur and are usually fatal.