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Glomus Tumor in Rare Volar Pulp Location
Ian Rosner
Anne Argenta
Kia Washington
University of Pittsburgh
2016-02-01
Presenter: Ian Rosner
Affidavit:
Anne Argenta performed the surgery and Ian Rosner wrote the case report under my guidance.
Director Name: Kia Washington
Author Category: Medical Student
Presentation Category: Clinical
Abstract Category: Hand
Introduction: Glomus tumors are benign, painful growths originating from glomus bodies and comprise just 1% of tumors arising in the hand, with fewer than 10% in the volar pulp of digits. Hallmark symptoms of glomus tumors include hypersensitivity to cold, heightened pin prick sensitivity, and paroxysmal pain.
We report a 72 year old, right hand dominant man that presented with pain in the left middle finger, localized to the tip. The tip was excessively sensitive to touch, and pain increased at night. He reported no recollection of trauma.
Methods/Results: Palpation of the finger revealed no mass, however, Love's pin test indicated a focal point of pain within the distal pulp of the digit. MRI of the left hand was performed, revealing a round 7.0x4.0x6.0mm soft tissue lesion along the volar ulnar aspect of the distal third digit.
Incision was made in the mid axial plane, circumscribing and removing the mass bluntly. It was a tan-yellow, soft tissue nodule 0.8cm in diameter without stalk or adherences to joints. Pathology revealed the mass was a glomus tumor. Symptoms improved upon removal and he healed without complication.
Discussion: Glomus tumors in the volar digital pulp are often difficult to diagnose. However, the presence of localized pain in the fingertip was reason to consider glomus tumor and proceed with treatment. Complete surgical removal of a glomus tumor is necessary to resolve symptoms and prevent recurrence.
