Glomus tumour within digital nerve: a case report

Abstract

Glomus tumour is a rare soft-tissue tumour developing in the hand. As it presents classic symptoms, it is most often diagnosed clinically. Preoperative radiological studies have been used to both determine exact location and size of the tumour as well as distinguish glomus tumour from other benign tumours of neural or non-neural origin. A 44-year-old woman presented with a painful, tender mass around the 4th web and tingling sensation on the fourth finger. Ultrasonography examination revealed a hypervascular mass on the ulnar side of the fourth proximal phalanx. We suspected a vascular tumour compressing the digital nerve and underwent exploratory surgery. Histological examination demonstrated the glomus tumour of the digital nerve. The patient's symptoms disappeared after surgery and there was no recurrence of the tumour at 3 years' follow-up. As glomus tumour can be successfully treated by excision, it is important to suspect the tumour and include it in differential diagnosis.