Taking Charge of Recurrence of a Glomus Tumor: About a Case and the Review of the Literature

Glomus tumors of the hand are benign vascular tumors, which develop at the expense of the neuro-myo-arterial glomus. They represent about 1% -5% of all hand tumors. Their diagnosis is frequently delayed by the absence of specific signs, its confirmation is based on anatomopathological examination. Their treatment is based on complete surgical excision and restitution of the nail apparatus, the only guarantees of a good evolution without recurrence. We report the case of a recurrence of a glomus tumor of the ring finger in a woman where the pains reappeared 6 months after the first intervention.

Imaging Features of Primary Tumors of the Hand

: Musculoskeletal tumors of the hand are a rare entity and are divided into skeletal and soft tissue tumors. Either category comprises benign and malignant or even intermediate tumors. Basic radiology allows an optimal resolution of bone and related soft tissue areas, ultrasound and more sophisticated radiologic tools such as scintigraphy, CT and MRI allow a more accurate evaluation of tumor extent. Enchondroma is the most common benign tumor affecting bone, whereas chondrosarcoma is the most commonly represented malignant neoplasm localized to hand bones. In the soft tissues ganglions are the most common benign tumors and epithelioid sarcoma is the most frequently represented malignant tumor targeting hand soft tissues. The knowledge regarding diagnostic and therapeutic management of these tumors is often deriving from small case series, retrospective studies or even case reports. Evidences from prospective studies or controlled trials are limited and for this lack of clear and supported evidences data from the medical literature on the topic are controversial, in terms of demographics, clinical presentation, diagnosis prognosis and therapy.The correct recognition of the specific subtype and extension of the tumor through first line and second line radiology is essential for the surgeon, in order to effectively direct the therapeutic decisions.

Glomus Tumor in the Elbow: A Case Report and Review of Histopathological Findings

Glomus bodies are neuromyoarterial apparatuses of the skin, implicated in body temperature control, and may undergo transformation with unregulated hyperplasia of their smooth muscle component. Glomus tumors most commonly occur in the subungual region of the fingers. These benign tumors are rare and constitute 1-5% of soft tissue tumors of the hand and may present as solitary or multiple masses. Solitary glomus tumors present with a classic triad of localized tenderness, severe pain, and cold sensitivity. We report a rare case of glomus tumor in the elbow and a review of the histopathological findings.