Extradigital Glomus Tumor of the Forearm Identified During Neuromuscular Ultrasound: A Case Report

Glomus tumors are rare benign soft tissue tumors that arise from the glomus body. They typically develop in the subungual region but may develop extradigitally anywhere, in the upper or lower limbs. Extradigital glomus tumors can be misdiagnosed for years because of their atypical position and presentation. Being aware of an extradigital glomus tumor is important because they can be encountered during imaging studies and may be the cause of the patient’s symptoms. This report presents a case of an extradigital glomus tumor, of the forearm, diagnosed during neuromuscular sonography, in a patient with chronic intractable neuropathic-like pain, along the medial side of the left forearm. Sonographic imaging of the nerves, muscles, and tendons did not reveal any abnormalities. However, meticulous imaging of all tissue layers detected a subcutaneous vascular nodule. Subsequent excision biopsy and histopathologic assessment revealed a glomus tumor. After surgery, the patient experienced dramatic relief of pain. This case report highlights the importance of careful sonographic examination of all the tissues, including skin and subcutaneous tissue layers, to avoid missing non-neuromuscular pathologies that impact patient’s management.

Extradigital Glomus Tumor on Hypothenar Region Diagnosed on Ultrasound – A Case Report

We report a case of 32-year-old female with a 6 months history of excruciating pain in hypothenar region of the left hand. Pain was aggravated by pressure, touch, and cold temperature. Musculoskeletal ultrasonography revealed – a well-defined, hypoechoic lesion in deep dermis, and subcutaneous fat in the left hypothenar eminence with mixed arterial and venous signals within on Doppler study, suggestive of – subcutaneous vascular lesion and diagnosis of glomus tumor was suggested. The patient underwent excision of the lesion. Pathological examination of the specimen showed a glomus tumor and excluded malignant transformation to glomangiosarcoma. Extradigital glomus tumor can be diagnosed on ultrasound with high confidence in appropriate clinical setting.

Extradigital glomangiomyoma of the forearm mimicking peripheral nerve sheath tumour and thrombosed varicose vein

Extradigital glomus tumour is uncommon, little-known outside of its subungual location, and may present without its classic triad of tenderness, cold sensitivity and paroxysmal pain. Imaging is non-specific and diagnosis is often delayed, sometimes for years, leading to unnecessary morbidity. Surgical excision is the treatment of choice, although technique depends on case specifics. Histological subtypes depend on the relative prominence of glomus cells, vascular structures and smooth muscle. The vast majority of glomus tumours are benign. We highlight the importance of considering extradigital glomus tumours when generating differential diagnoses of an atypical painful lesion in a variety of clinical specialties.

Case Report: Glomus Tumor of the Thigh

Glomus tumors are small, painful benign tumors that occur primarily in the subungual region of the hand. The presentation of glomus tumors in areas other than the hand is rare, but have been reported. Patients with glomus tumors have a prolonged history of focal pain, tenderness, and cold hypersensitivity. However, as all 3 symptoms may not present simultaneously, it can present a diagnostic challenge to clinicians and imagers, often remaining undiagnosed or misdiagnosed for many years. We report a case of an extradigital glomus tumor of the right thigh that was initially diagnosed as focal superficial thrombophlebitis. The diagnosis of glomus tumor was pathologically proven.

A Solitary Volar Extradigital Glomus Tumor Mimicking a Painful Ganglion

Glomus tumors are neoplasms arising from the glomus body, which regulate skin temperature. They are mostly benign tumors and present in the subungual area of a distal phalanx. However, they can occur in extradigital location, and they may not be typical of intradigital glomus tumors. This makes it difficult to diagnose extradigital glomus tumors. We report a volar extradigital tumor mimicking a painful ganglion with a literature review.